RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Req #: | 168197 |
Department: | SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK |
Posting Date: | 06/05/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
The School Of Social Work is like no other. Our Communities in Action initiative uses an innovative strategy that draws on the strength of local communities to foster healthy behaviors for young people. Our research and innovation centers are developing and deploying science – based solutions that accelerate social change for the greatest number with the greater need. Our innovative academic programs and guided field placements provide the foundation for a viable career dedicated to human justice and social change. We’re driving social change that’s making news in local communities and beyond, as part of our deep commitment to fulfill the UW’s innovation imperative.
School of Social Work currently has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Coordinator.
Partners for Our Children (POC) was founded in 2007 to focus new thinking, resources and expertise on the state’s child welfare system. POC is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the University of Washington School of Social Work and the private sector. POC is based on campus at the UW and has the opportunity to leverage the academic community to optimize our work.
POC performs needed research and data analysis and translates its findings for key partners in the child welfare system. Partners for Our Children’s focus is on identifying the most promising practices, policy changes and programs that will have the most significant impact for children and families in Washington State.
Partners for Our Children, has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Consultant. This position will support research and evaluation projects developing and assessing interventions with vulnerable children and families and with the public child welfare workforce. This position will involve collaboration, research design, data collection and analysis, and contributing to dissemination of research and will provide an opportunity to design and implement evaluation strategies in support of continuous quality improvement efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities
This position will promote evidence informed child welfare policy and practice by reviewing research literature, coordinating evaluation projects, designing data collection tools, conducting data analysis, and sharing findings to inform program development. This position will require strong collaboration skills to address barriers to implementation, support the use of technology and the use of data to for continuous quality improvement.
The Research Consultant contributes to the development and assessment of interventions and the evaluation of a competency based workforce development system for the state child welfare agency. This position leverages research and knowledge from the University to benefit those who serve vulnerable children and families throughout WA.
Under the direction of research scientists and project managers:
• Responsible for developing, creating and managing data collection instruments and administration of on-line surveys, interviews and focus groups; with knowledge of/experience with Human Subjects training, qualitative interviewing and focus groups, development of quantitative surveys and interviews, survey programming, tracking and analysis.
• Using RedCap, Excel and Access databases: collect, enter and manage qualitative and quantitative data using web-based platforms and statistical software.
• Uphold client confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines of research with human subjects.
• Using basic descriptive analysis and developed skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpret findings.
• Uses independent judgement in contributing to research projects via research design and preparation of IRB proposals. Assist with the preparation of IRB proposal and documents using knowledge of WSIRB guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Engages autonomously with project partners (community based providers, visitation providers, WA State Department of Social and Health Services Children’s Administration staff and supervisors, UW faculty and students) to collaboratively establish shared priorities and develop evaluation methods that are both meaningful and feasible for the participants and stakeholders.
• Disseminate research and evaluation results to stakeholders via oral presentations, facilitated discussions, and written reports. Draft presentations and written reports for Senior Research Scientist.
• Provide timely feedback to partners to inform ongoing quality improvement.
• Organize and lead POC project meetings, track project timelines and deliverable. Participate in POC all-staff meetings and maintain positive relationships and timely communication with partners and stakeholders.
Requirements
Master's Degree in Social Work or related field. (Equivalent experience may substitute for degree requirement)
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a child welfare, youth and family services, program evaluation, research or analysis setting.
• Demonstrated strength in interdisciplinary collaboration, consensus-building and strategic thinking.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to track over time.
• Knowledge of APA style for professional writing.
• Washington State approved human subject’s training (must be completed within 30 days of hire)
• Experience translating complex ideas and data into user friendly language
• Demonstrated ability with qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple demands simultaneously under time constraint and meet project deadlines and deliverables
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and quality
Desired
• Strong initiative, problem-solving and self-starting approach, flexibility, the ability to deal effectively with rapid growth and change, and the ability to organize and prioritize work quickly in response to changing needs.
• Knowledge of the US and Washington state child welfare policy and practice.
• Strengths-based perspective with a focus on continuous quality improvement.
• Experience in developing IRB applications, managing confidential data collection and analysis, and maintaining ethical standards that guide research and evaluation.
• Facility with web-based survey tools such as Qualtrics or RedCap.
• Ability to manage qualitative data through web-based qualitative software such ATLAS/ti and NUD IST.
• Experience with phone interviewing with vulnerable populations.
• Descriptive quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills
• Experience in the use of statistical software such as SPSS, R, STATA.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
BENEFITS
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.
Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.