Evaluation Specialist Jr.

Job Summary:

As an Evaluation Specialist Jr. supporting the VA's Office of Suicide Prevention, you will design and implement evaluation systems that measure the impact of elevated risk care management programs serving our nation's Veterans. Working within a federal healthcare contracting environment, you will apply mixed-methods evaluation approaches—including surveys, focus groups, and structured interviews—to assess program effectiveness and drive data-informed decision-making. Your work directly contributes to life-saving initiatives that improve care outcomes for Veterans at elevated risk of suicide.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented evaluation professional who is passionate about public health and Veterans' welfare, capable of translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for federal stakeholders. They thrive in a structured, mission-driven environment and communicate findings with precision and empathy.

Primary Responsibilities:

Design and implement comprehensive evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness, reach, and outcomes of the Office of Suicide Prevention's elevated risk care management programs.

Conduct content analysis, quantitative tracking, and qualitative assessments using tools such as surveys, focus groups, and structured interviews to gather program performance data.

Oversee the generation, formatting, and dissemination of performance reports, ensuring findings are communicated clearly to VA program leadership and relevant federal stakeholders.

Integrate evaluation findings into current program strategies, recommending evidence-based adjustments to improve care delivery and program impact for Veterans at elevated risk.

Conduct secondary research and environmental scans to benchmark program activities against national suicide prevention standards, federal guidelines, and best practices in behavioral health evaluation.

Collaborate with internal project teams and VA client representatives to develop evaluation frameworks, data collection instruments, and performance measurement plans aligned with contract deliverable timelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years of experience designing and implementing program evaluation systems, including quantitative tracking, qualitative assessment, and mixed-methods approaches.

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Public Health, Psychology, Social Sciences, Health Policy, Research Methods, or a closely related field is required.

Prior experience supporting federal agency programs—preferably within VA, DoD, HHS, or other federal healthcare or behavioral health contexts—is strongly preferred.

Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a VA background investigation; must be able to access VA systems and facilities as required by the contract.

Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Demonstrated proficiency in developing and administering data collection instruments (surveys, interview guides, focus group protocols) and producing written evaluation reports suitable for federal stakeholder audiences.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with VA or federal suicide prevention, mental health, or behavioral health programs, including familiarity with the VA's Suicide Prevention Program or related elevated risk care pathways. • Familiarity with federal performance management frameworks such as GPRA/GPRAMA, logic models, or OMB program evaluation standards. • Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SPSS, SAS, R, NVivo, or equivalent qualitative/quantitative analysis software. • Experience presenting evaluation findings and recommendations to senior federal government officials or program leadership in written and oral formats. • Knowledge of IRB processes, human subjects research protections, and ethical standards applicable to vulnerable populations such as Veterans.

About Aptive:

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement:

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.