Planning and Research Associate I

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: April 14, 2025

Closing Date: April 28, 2025

Job Class Code: 0039
Grade:  20 (Pro / Tech)
Salary: $43,014.40 - $60,070.40 per year

Position Number: 02000-4117

Location: Augusta

-LIMITED PERIOD POSITION-

This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval. 

The Maine CDC’s Oral Health Program is seeking a Planning and Research Associate I to join our team.  This position will work under the direction of the Program Manager to provide data support, contract development and oversight, as needed, and support Maine CDC’s oral health priorities in its response to the impact of COVID 19 on the oral health status of Maine people.  Providing data collection and analysis is critical for the program and Maine CDC to fully understand the impacts of COVID 19, as well as the successes of its response activities.

Core Responsibilities:

As a key team member of the Oral Health Program, your core responsibilities will include:
•    Perform complex assignments in the collecting, analyzing, and presentation of data for policy development, planning, and regulatory activities.
•    Respond to technical requests for data and information from the Bureau of Health, Maine CDC, other state agencies, and the federal government by identifying and compiling relevant data for specific areas in need of oral health care services.
•    Produce core reports and coordinate specific data analyses by applying knowledge of statistical methods in order to promote effective planning while maintaining ongoing data collection projects necessary for programmatic and policy development needs.
•    Provide technical assistance to communities, oral health care providers, and oral health care facilities.
•    Establish and maintain supportive working relationships with other agencies within the Department, other departments, external partners, and stakeholders.
•    Design, coordinate, and produce graphic displays in order to provide quantitative information for use in planning, policy development, and management of programs while ensuring adherence to federal requirements.
•    Work with Program Manager on budgetary needs, federal grant funding opportunities, and contract management.

Minimum Qualifications:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing knowledge of principles of research and planning. 

Preferred candidates will also have:
•    Knowledge of the capabilities of various computer systems
•    Knowledge of data analytics and software 
•    Ability to manage and oversee multiple Programmatic Projects/activities simultaneously
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, oral health professionals, oral health care facilities, and representatives of other agencies at both the state and federal level 
•    Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
•    Ability to work independently

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Kate Christiansen, Oral Health Program Manager, at Kat