As the DSS policy analysis, research, and program evaluation unit, the Office of Evaluation and Research (OER; a unit of the DSS Office of Research and Policy Innovation, ORPI) informs high-level decision-making across DSS-HRA-DHS. Through rigorous research studies and evaluations, OER develops and analyzes the evidence base for HRA and DHS work and provides unbiased recommendations regarding priority issues and initiatives to the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrations, the DSS Chief Program Planning and Financial Management Officer, and HRA and DHS program leadership. Staff bring an interdisciplinary lens to their work, drawing on a broad range of quantitative and qualitative social science research methods. ORPI is additionally responsible for providing strategic direction in the development and monitoring of collaborative research and evaluation efforts and grant proposals.

OER is recruiting for one (1) City Research Scientist IV-A to function as the Director of Housing and Homelessness Research, who will:

- Manage a large portfolio of program evaluations and research studies, collaborating with program area leadership to articulate research questions related to homelessness prevention, street outreach, homeless shelter services, and rehousing.

- Conceptualize and provide the methodological framework for complex mixed-method research studies, implementation evaluations, and outcome and impact evaluations of large-scale initiatives related to housing and homelessness, including leading the annual effort to estimate unsheltered homelessness in NYC (i.e., HOPE).

- Lead a team of master’s and PhD level researchers (City Research Scientists levels II and III) as well as temporary staff, interns, and consultants as needed.

- Serve as an agency expert on sophisticated evaluation and research methods and activities, including instrument development, sampling method design, and complex analyses of quantitative and qualitative data. Review internal and external requests to conduct research and evaluations involving DSS-HRA-DHS staff, clients, and/or data for methodological rigor, making recommendations regarding revisions as well as final approval.

- Make recommendations to agency leadership inform agency decision-making through reports and presentations to the Commissioner, Executive staff, and other program area leadership, describing study questions and methods, detailing evaluation and research findings, and assessing implications for agency operations.

- Represent OER in meetings and interagency communications. Present findings from OER research and evaluation projects and provide technical and analytic support to other agencies and city offices on research and evaluation methods and on the content and organization of HRA and DHS administrative data.

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

- Expertise in research and evaluation methods, including at least five years’ experience designing and implementing experimental and/or quasi-experimental program evaluations. - Detailed knowledge of applied statistics and data analytics, including proficiency in a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, Stata, SAS, R). - Experience leading primary data efforts, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and/or observations. - Substantial project management experience, including experience leading a team and supervising staff. - Experience disseminating research findings to high level audiences through written reports and presentations. - Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local policies and programs related to housing and homelessness.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.