This is administrative research and information management work in the field of mental health and mental retardation. Work involves the utilization of the social and behavioral sciences to identify client needs and to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health and mental retardation programs. The employee in this class supervises, through subordinate supervisors, lower lever research and information management analysts, systems analysts, computer programmers, and data processing support staff engaged in the collection and analysis of statistical data, the design, selection and implementation of new or revised computer based management information systems and the maintenance of MH/MR data bases. Important aspects of the work include designing an integrated system of computer hardware and software along with monitoring and coordinating the collection and submission of client and service information from the provider agencies to ensure timely and accurate reporting to funding sources which directly impacts financial support for the mental health and mental retardation programs. Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior.

• Plans, assigns, and reviews, through subordinate supervisors, the work of lower level research analysts, systems analysts, computer programmers, and data processing support staff engaged in research projects to gather information which includes personal and group motivation, needs, attitudes and knowledges necessary to assess and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing mental retardation programs; studies the local cultural patterns of the City to determine their effect on the existing programs; conducts community surveys to identify community problems and patterns of various populations in need of mental health and mental retardation services.
• Develops objective criteria for the evaluation of programs; reviews proposed studies and approves methodology to be used; develops instruments for measuring the effectiveness of programs for use by program personnel in research projects; provides technical assistance to lower level workers regarding data collection and analysis; reviews analyses, findings and conclusions of subordinates.
• Participates in the review and evaluation of research activities and proposals of provider agencies, academic and other research institutions, and governmental authorities as they involve Philadelphia MH/MR programs and clients.
• Identifies need to develop computerized systems for program and administrative operations throughout the mental health and mental retardation system to improve effectiveness, efficiency and control in data collection and data reporting activities; develops management information systems needed to satisfy county office priorities and evaluation criteria; formulates countywide information systems objectives; establishes and enforces procedures for the collection of data from provider agencies; directs the orientation and training of office and provider agency staff in conjunction with the implementation and training of office and provider agency staff in conjunction with the implementation of new or revised systems.
• Designs an integrated countywide system of computer hardware and software; prepares specifications for information systems; evaluates proposals from outside consultants for plans, designs, purchase, and implementation of information systems; oversees the installation, testing and implementation of new or modified systems; oversees ongoing systems maintenance and support.
• Directs creation and maintenance of MH/MR data bases; ensures that new and existing systems correlate with technical changes and informational needs.
• Oversees the production of state required reports, ensuring their timeliness and accuracy; modifies methods of data collection, analysis and reporting to adhere to state requirements.
• Prepares comprehensive reports of studies which include the analysis, interpretation and documentation of findings; prepares reports and professional papers for publication; disseminates reports to mental health and mental retardation personnel through written and oral presentations.
• Functions as departmental representative at meetings with other governmental agencies on evaluation issues within the department; provides technical assistance to contracted agencies; directs the work of consultants engaged in research, evaluation, and information systems projects.
• Prepares grant applications and proposals for research, evaluation and information systems projects.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• social science research principles, practices and techniques.
• the design, methodology and techniques of program evaluation as applied to mental health and mental retardation programs.
• the standard sources and uses of information in the social services.
• data collection methods.
• research activities in the field of MH/MR and their implications for local programs.
• current practices and procedures of data analysis related to social science research.
• the current uses and programming principles of one or more non-procedural languages as they relate to social science research.
• the current uses and capabilities of electronic data processing equipment with particular emphasis on microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and their applications.
• system design and analysis methodologies.
• supervisory methods and techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, direct, and supervise the activities of a staff of lower analysts engaged in research and evaluation studies of mental health and mental retardation programs.
• plan, execute, and coordinate research studies and projects.
• apply specialized evaluation techniques to mental health and mental retardation programs as needed.
• evaluate results of statistical research and program evaluation and recommend operational alternatives.
• plan, develop and implement data processing systems, methods, and procedures.
• determine the feasibility and application of electronic data processing systems to existing or newly developed operations.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION

• Completion of a doctorate degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, anthropology or public health.

• Five years of experience in statistical analysis and research, two years which have included supervising lower level analysts in the conduct of social science research studies in the area of mental health and mental retardation which has involved the utilization of non-procedural computer applications for information systems design, reporting and analysis.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP26
Class Established: 6/1987

DD/vp/sb