*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. This opportunity will remain open until filled.

HHS Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Performance and Quality Management (DPQM), Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (OPAE) at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) located in Rockville, Maryland.

HRSA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the primary federal agency for improving access to high quality health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. OPAE optimizes HRSA program impact through agency-wide leadership and collaboration with bureaus and offices in the areas of policy, research, planning, and engagement. 

Research Project: This fellowship is designed to: 1) provide a learning environment where a highly qualified, productive candidate will be able to learn and advance application of data analytic skills to healthcare quality data and measures; 2) contribute analytic support to strengthen the evaluation and research capacity of DPQM; and 3) assist in promoting the use of data to improve health equity and reduce health disparities.

The ORISE fellow will collaborate with the DPQM Quality Team to apply skills in performance and quality measurement and statistical analyses to creative, applied learning projects using real data. DPQM is currently developing a Quality Strategy to promote, align, and harmonize quality measures across HRSA, and evaluate the impact of the use of quality measures on HRSA program participants. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will be involved in the following activities:

• Conduct literature reviews to identify best practices for selecting, using, harmonizing, aligning, and evaluating the use of quality measures in other federal programs (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
• Conduct data analyses of HRSA quality measures, through a health equity lens, including identifying geographic or demographic disparities in quality.
• Collaborate with quality measurement subject matter experts within HRSA to identify measures that would apply broadly across HRSA programs.
• Prepare a report or white paper summarizing findings from the above activities, to support development and implementation of a HRSA Quality Strategy.

Learning Objectives: During the course of the fellowship, the fellow will learn and build upon the individual’s:

• Ability to conduct geographic information system analyses and apply that learning to large, complex real-life data sets.
• Ability to identify appropriate analysis techniques for time series data sets and apply those techniques to achieve actionable analyses of performance data.
• Ability to communicate data analysis results to multiple audiences, including academia, policy-makers and the general public, through written and oral formats.
• Use of data visualization software, such as Tableau, to maximize the utility of performance data for continuous quality improvement and programmatic decision-making purposes.
• Participate in meetings with bureaus and offices to learn about the evaluative activities, data types, and data sources used to assess the outcomes of HRSA investment on quality.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for nine months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of HHS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A health insurance allowance and a travel/training allowance will also be provided. A relocation allowance will not be provided.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and HHS. Participants do not become employees of HHS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.