26991BR

Job Title:

Senior Research Associate-Technical Assistance/IDEA/Education

Location:

MD - Rockville

Job Description:

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary

Are you passionate about special education data technical assistance? Become a member of Westat's Education Studies Practice team and work directly with state education agencies to build their capacity to collect, analyze, report, and use data to accurately identify and address significant disproportionality in special education.

A hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days on-site at a Westat office location is preferred, remote work arrangements will be considered.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to state education agencies (SEA), and local education agencies (LEAs), through the SEAs, to improve their systems and processes related to significant disproportionality in special education including developing and implementing the standard methodology; conducting root cause analyses; reviewing policies, practices, and procedures; and using data to address significant disproportionality.

• Build relationships with SEA staff to understand their context, identify areas of need, and serve as their point of contact to support them and their districts.

• Develop tools and resources for SEAs and LEAs to improve their capacity to collect, analyze, report, and use data to accurately identify and address significant disproportionality.

• Contribute content to blogs and newsletter articles related to significant disproportionality.

• Present at national, regional, and state conferences on significant disproportionality related topics.

Basic Qualifications

• A BA/BS in education or another relevant field and a minimum of ten years of related experience; or an MA/MS with 6 or more years of relevant experience; or a PhD and 2 or more years of relevant post-doctoral experience.

• Experience providing technical assistance related to disability, education programs, equity, significant disproportionality, or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)/special education data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in state or local education agencies.

• Specific experience with data required under IDEA including sections 616 and 618.

• An interest in advancing educational equity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated communication skills

• Collaboration with teams, managers, and/or clients

• Organization skills, including time management ability

• Detail oriented

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Paid Parental Leave

• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)

• Sick Leave (10 days per year)

• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)

• Professional Development

• Health Advocate

• Employee Assistance Program

• Travel Accident Insurance

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Short Term Disability Insurance

• Long Term Disability Insurance

• Life and AD&D Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

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Job ID:

26991BR

Career Area:

Research

Pay Range:

The anticipated salary range for this position is 93.2-110K and will be commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility:

Yes