Family Research Unit Research Scientist

The Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) is seeking a Research Scientist to lead its ongoing relationship with Fairfax County, Virginia, and to develop aligned work and scholarship. The Institute has a long-term contractual relationship with the County to support the implementation of multiple child welfare programs in that jurisdiction. The individual in this role is expected to track changes in relevant federal, state and local legislation, policy and rules in this substantive domain and to assess their likely purport for the County in a timely way.

The FRU Research Scientist for the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) contributions to conceptualization and conduct of research projects, serves as principal investigator and develops or contributes significantly to research project design, implementation and interpretation. This position is frequently involved in preparation of proposals, reports, publications, and presentation of research results. Additionally, the successful candidate will carry out independent research in the field of child welfare policy under limited supervision.

Specifically, the Research Scientist will be expected:

• To serve as the primary point of contact between VTIPG and Fairfax County Department of Family Services leaders and employees and the Fairfax/Falls Church Children’s Services Act Program managers and staff in all matters pertaining to the Institute’s contract responsibilities with Fairfax County related to Child Protective Services (CPS) and Foster Care and Adoptions (FC&A).
• To liaise successfully with these stakeholders and make decisions that promote the contract’s goals while also addressing university and Institute aspirations.
• To communicate routinely and effectively with other relevant County, state and federal officials and staff as necessary.
• To train all VTIPG contract team members and to maintain a Policy and Procedures manual for that group to ensure timely and appropriate administrative attention to relevant Fairfax County program implementation needs.
• To liaise, as appropriate, with the Institute Director, Deputy Director, and other Institute and Virginia Tech faculty and staff to keep them apprised of unit operations, needs and challenges.

• PhD or terminal degree in human services, public policy, or related fields including public administration, business administration, law, etc.
• Knowledge, or ability to acquire such knowledge of Federal Title IV-E, Title XVI, Title II, Title IV-D, and Title XIX related policies and procedures as relevant to Fairfax County and Virginia.
• Demonstrable capacity to research topics and data bases related to the work of the Fairfax team through review of relevant academic and government publications and reports.
• Demonstrated excellence and experience in program leadership, management, human resource management, budget preparation and tracking, and program development and implementation.
• Ability to create scholarly works relevant to this role and to secure allied external funding in related initiatives.

• Ability to analyze and coordinate the development or modification of organizational processes and activities in response to program and policy changes.
• Expertise in computer applications including those related to data collection, analysis, and reporting methods.
• Ability to use automated technology to record, establish, and maintain case records.
• Interpersonal skills in developing new relationships and funding opportunities.
• A desire to develop and lead strategic initiatives in collaboration with colleagues and community partners.
• A commitment to diversity that aligns with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community and Inclusive VT.

Restricted

Commensurate with Experience

03/25/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.