Hispanics In Academia | Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Work at University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States

Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Work

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University of Arkansas

Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Category: Researcher Other
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via

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, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”.

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Closing Date:

01/21/2025

Type of Position:

Researchers and Scientists

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the

Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu)

: Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

School of Social Work

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

The Post-Doctoral Researcher in Social Work specializing in Medicaid policy, payment, and administration in Arkansas will contribute to a large research project focused on Medicaid-related issues, including payment systems, policy evaluation, and program implementation. This role involves conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and providing evidence-based insights to support informed decision-making. The Research Manager will work closely with the Project Investigator, internal teams and external stakeholders to advance understanding of Medicaid’s impact on behavioral healthcare delivery, costs, and outcomes in Arkansas.

Key Responsibilities Include:
1. Research Design and Project Management:
o Design and manage research focused on Medicaid policy, payment models, and program impacts, with a particular emphasis on Arkansas.
o Develop detailed research methodologies, data collection plans, and analysis frameworks to ensure high-quality, rigorous research.
2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation:
o Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of Medicaid data, including beneficiary demographics, provider payments, utilization trends, and policy impacts.
o Use data analysis tools and software to perform complex data modeling and statistical analyses.
o Synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations tailored to Medicaid policy in Arkansas.
3. Policy Evaluation and Reporting:
o Evaluate the effectiveness of Medicaid policies and payment reforms, focusing on cost efficiency, quality of care, and beneficiary access to services.
o Prepare comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences, including stakeholders in Arkansas behavioral healthcare policy.
o Provide guidance on policy implications based on research findings and contribute to strategy development around Medicaid programs.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
o Collaborate with Medicaid program staff, policymakers, and healthcare providers in Arkansas to share research findings and gather input for ongoing studies.
o Act as the primary point of contact for project partners, funders, and other stakeholders regarding Medicaid-related research.
o Communicate complex research findings and policy recommendations to non-technical audiences effectively.
5. Continuous Learning and Expertise Development:
o Stay updated on state and federal Medicaid policy changes, trends, and innovations, especially those impacting Arkansas.
o Identify and pursue opportunities for additional research funding in Medicaid and related areas.
o Mentor and guide junior research staff and post-graduate students, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Social Work, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

One year or more of experience in Medicaid focused research, including policy analysis, payment systems, and healthcare access
Strong knowledge of Medicaid policy, payment methodologies, and program structures
Expertise in data analysis tools (e.g., STATA, R, SAS) and familiarity with healthcare datasets
Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
Ability to translate complex research data into policy recommendations
Proficiency in MS Office and data visualization software (e.g., Tableau)

Additional Information:

This is a 2-year appointment, renewable based on the need for the position, availability of funding, and continued satisfactory level of performance in the role.

Salary Information:

$60,000

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Johanna Thomas, Director and Professor, PhD, LCSW, johannat@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

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