Health Equity Research Specialist in St. Paul, Minnesota

Working Title: Health Equity Research Specialist

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 80329

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/27/2024.

• Date Posted : 09/20/2024

• Closing Date : 10/03/2024

• Hiring Agency : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

• Division/Unit : Health Equity Bureau (HEB) / Health Equity Performance and Research Staff

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Days of Work : Monday – Friday

• Travel Required : Yes – Up to 25% of the time

• Salary Range: $27.84 – $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 – $85,232 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you’ll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Health Equity Research Specialist will lead the development and execution of technical health equity studies, focusing on new programs or areas with limited procedural precedent. This role is responsible for building methodologies and models for health equity programs using a range of tools, including computers, packaged software, mathematics, and analytical procedures.

Additionally, the Health Equity Research Specialist will create and maintain databases for programs with statewide impact. This involves utilizing various data sources, editing procedures, and relevant technology to ensure accurate and accessible data management systems. The role also includes planning reporting activities and using professional contacts and resources to keep information up to date.

The specialist will monitor conformity to timelines and quality standards, identify training needs, and provide guidance to support staff in managing workloads. The position will support section leadership by offering technical assistance and ensuring the integration and application of equity research. This work will focus on improving health outcomes for historically underserved communities, including BIPOC, American Indian, LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities, refugees, immigrants, and rural populations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute health equity studies for new programs.

• Write and evaluate research reports, ensuring accurate data analysis and clear communication.

• Design and approve surveys and questionnaires.

• Create and maintain databases for large-scale projects.

• Monitor project timelines, quality standards, and identify training needs.

• Provide technical assistance and support to improve community health equity outcomes.

This position may have the option of teleworking based on the business needs and manager discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience providing support in health-related data management and analysis.

• Proficient experience in statistical software and data analysis tools such as SAS, SPSS, R, STATA, or Python.

• Experience with database management systems and data visualization tools (e.g., SQL, Excel, Tableau).

• Knowledge of health data standards, privacy regulations (such as HIPAA), and health information systems.

• Ability to conduct complex data analyses and interpret results to inform health-related research or policy decisions.

A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Qualifications to be further assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to research scientific literature to apply appropriate statistical methods for analysis and report writing for publication.

• Ability to determine the appropriate analysis methods, identify problems, and develop and implement solutions to complex problems

• Ability to work with and make presentations with diverse communities

• Analyzing health data through a health equity lens

• Ability to conceive, organize and carry out research projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of health equity and key related concepts including health disparities, health inequity, and structural inequities, including structural racism.

• Ability to apply a culturally competent perspective and approach to evaluation and research practice.

• Knowledge of public health issues, Minnesota’s public health system, roles and functions of local government, and the Local Public Health Act

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.