Social Services
Social Scientist
OFFICE OF TRADE• Evaluation: The incumbent is responsible for contributing to the OT corporateevaluation agenda to meet the intent of the Foundations for Evidence Based PolicyMaking Act of 2018. Designs scientific methodologies to assess and evaluate the impactof various OT programs and policies affecting OT’s human capital, local communities,and those involved in hemispheric and global migration. Incumbent operatesindependently, and collaborates with other researchers, to bridge findings to fiscalefficacy and program effectiveness. The incumbent independently leads all stages ofevaluation planning, implementation, reporting, dissemination, and use with a nationalscope and impact. Experienced in assessing and selecting the most appropriate evaluationand research approaches along a spectrum of methodologies (e.g., formative evaluation,process and implementation evaluation, and outcome and effectiveness evaluation).Performs highly scientific short and long-term evaluation studies and projects of a specialand sensitive nature including, but not limited to, studies that evaluate program impact,impact to human psychological conditions because of border enforcement efforts, andevaluations of workforce morale. Studies the need for special and one-time interagencyprojects as they affect agency programs, operations, policies, performance, and budget.Identifies and proposes recommendations based on rigorous evaluation methods forreview by OT executives, and to the development of technical memoranda and standardoperating procedures (SOP).Plans and implements high quality qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method evaluationdesigns. Analyzes and interprets data using appropriate software and formulas. Designsqualitative studies utilizing a range of methodologies including, but not limited to,analysis of survey data, focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. Trainsstaff to complete data collection and data management to execute the fieldwork and datacollection process, and to participate in interviewing and data collection. Synthesizescollected data into high- quality written documents, reports, and oral presentations. Theincumbent must be an expert in the creation of social science surveys, testing,experimentation, participants rights, testing ethics, data storage and analysis. Theincumbent studies and researches a broad array of subjects in social science usingadvanced techniques, research methodologies and experimentation while adhering to OTand Federal policies, ethics, and requirements. The incumbent creates SOPs for newmethodologies established.Independently leads collaborative teams on the planning of rigorous evidence building(e.g., using various types of research, evaluation, and analysis) for DHS programs,policies, and regulations and coordinates efforts as appropriate with other DHSstakeholders. Develops descriptions of program design, such as a theory of change andlogic models. Determines what decisionmakers and what strategic and operationaldecisions evidence-building and evaluation efforts must inform. Identifies key questionsrelated to the theory of change and logic model that is appropriate to inform strategic andoperational decisions. Selects the evidence building activity from among various types ofresearch, evaluation, and analysis designs and methods, indicators to be measured, andpotential data sources that are appropriate to address the question(s).Conforms all research activities, findings, results, and publications of findings toTransparency and Openness Promotion guidelines at and above Level Two to ensure theavailability of information to other researchers. Coordinates evaluation activities neededto demonstrate that technical and operational requirements, maintenance and logisticsobjectives, and system performance parameters have been met. Conducts comprehensivescientific studies and detailed analyses of complex functions and processes withsubordinates, subcontractors, and subject matter experts, and other senior OT programmanagers. Provides the structures, processes, and technical assistance necessary forproductive growth with non-evaluation program and policy staff on evaluation projects.Develops, coordinates, and implements OT and CBP goals, objectives, andimplementation strategies by ensuring the evaluations conform to national strategy, andare sufficient to meet organizational goals. Prepares and contributes to reportsand other presentations on performance measurement. Employs creativity in the design,analysis, and interpretation of evaluations. Applies scientific principles and theories inthe design of evaluation method (survey, focus group, etc.) when evaluating the researchof others, when interpreting findings, and when assessing the need for and validity ofproposed changes and improvements in procedures and methods. Maintains the ability toindependently reason from existing knowledge to unexplored areas, to adapt methods tocircumstances that deviate from standards, and to stay abreast of and evaluate technicalsubjects, analyses, and proposals in professional literature. • Policy Formulation and Evaluation: Serves as a professional expert regarding policyevaluation methods and design, including survey design, quantitative and qualitativeresearch, and statistical sampling and analysis. Formulates policy directives based onevaluation findings. The incumbent creates Standard Operating Procedures, and policiesnecessary for the well-being of the workforce and individuals in Border Patrol care andcustody, and the formulation of recommendations for policy divestment. Independentlyleads the design and facilitation of operational, administrative, and interagency policyresearch. Research issues must be scientifically defined, objectives must be clearlydelineated and planned, data collection must be carefully monitored, data must beexpertly analyzed, and reports must fully explain important findings and implications.Interprets data tabulations and graphs; identifies critical factors such as data limitations,biases, sampling errors, and inconsistencies. Revises and develops new methods asnecessary to ensure optimum research results with respect to data collection functions.Advises leadership on the efficacy of OT policy by communicating orally and in writingstatistical and research information and justification on the operational aspects of specificplan-focused projects.The incumbent evaluates OT policies, standards, and impact. This includes, but is notlimited to: Border community impact, economic policy implications, the OT relocationprogram, morale, Peer-Support, resiliency, OT Requirements Management Process(RMP), and immigration prosecutions and custody operations. Conducts studies andresearch on OT policies impacting human conditions within OT operated facilities, andhuman capital management including, but not limited to, retention, hiring, and resiliency.Reviews interagency agreements to include, but not limited to, the Executive GovernanceBoard, Requirements Working group, and interagency data standards for integration withCBP and DHS data systems. Performs other duties as assigned.
