Research Specialist III - Office of Professional Standards - Health Services Division (022440)

I. Job Summary 

Performs complex research work. Work involves developing, performing, and evaluating specialized research projects pertaining to fiscal, administrative, or program functions of offender medical care; and training others. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

II. Essential Functions 

A. Collects, compiles, researches, and analyzes offender medical care grievances and third party complaint data; uses statistical methods and relational database for analyzing data sets, trend analysis, and quality of care monitoring; and prepares statistical reports and analyses of data related to program functions to include the nature of grievances and complaints, responses, response timeframes, and quality of care issues. 

B. Prepares and documents data structures and definitions; assists in creating and designing computer programs; maintains data storage systems; and assists with the design, execution, analysis, and reporting results of special investigations and research projects. 

C. Assists with conducting data quality assurance procedures and maintaining quality control of the content of research projects, studies, statistical reports, correspondence, and responses to legislative inquiries. 

D. Organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of others; and provides training and technical assistance in the program area. 

* Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

III. Minimum Qualifications 

A. Education, Experience, and Training 

1. Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Major course work in Business Administration, Health Care Administration Computer Science, Research, or a related field preferred. Each year of experience as described below in excess of the required four years may be substituted for thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis. 

2. Four years of full-time, wage-earning research, relational database, data analysis, or technical writing experience. 

3. Health services administration, program administration, research, clinical assessment, or investigative experience preferred. 

4. Teaching or training experience preferred. 

5. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs preferred. 

B. Knowledge and Skills 

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management. 

2. Knowledge of research design, demonstration, and evaluation concepts and methodologies. 

3. Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis. 

4. Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and statutes. 

5. Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures. 

6. Knowledge of health care services and documentation preferred. 

7. Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations preferred. 

8. Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely. 

9. Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public. 

10. Skill to analyze issues, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations. 

11. Skill to prepare and present comprehensive statistical and narrative reports. 

12. Skill in the use of computers and related equipment in a stand-alone of local area network environment. 

13. Skill in administrative problem-solving techniques. 

14. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs. 

15. Skill to train others. 

IV. Additional Requirements with or without Reasonable Accommodation 

A. Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry under 15 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment. 

B. Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane. 

C. Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions include computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, telephone, dolly, and automobile.

Please note that applications submitted via handwritten forms, email, mail, or fax will not be accepted. Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years.  Your application must contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of employment, supervisor’s name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week.  If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete

If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who contacts you to schedule your interview.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

*Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment. *

Questions regarding this posting may be directed to:

Harmony Lopez
Human Resources Headquarters
2 Financial Plaza, STE 600
Huntsville, TX   77340
PH (936) 437-3139
EMAIL [email protected]

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.  

Military Crosswalk Guide - Prepared by the State Auditor's Office

Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

The State of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. You may make copies of this application and enter different position titles, but each copy must be signed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications, unless specifically stated in the job vacancy notice.