Research Study Assistant (Temporary)
Req #: | 174258 |
Department: | School of Social Work |
Appointing Department Web Address: | https://socialwork.uw.edu/ |
Job Location: | Other Location |
Posting Date: | 02/11/2020 |
Closing Info: | Closes On 02/26/2020 |
Salary: | $16.34 - $20.63 Hourly |
Union Position: | Yes |
Shift: | First Shift |
Notes: | This is a RE-POSTING. Candidates who recently applied do not need to re-apply and are still in consideration. |
Official UW Title: Research Study Assistant
Working Title: Interviewer / Web Prompter
Project: International Youth Development Study
Salary: Starting at $16.39/hour
Hours: 20-35 hours per week
The Social Development Research Group (SDRG) is looking for part-time Temporary Research Study Assistants (Interviewers) to facilitate interviews/survey completion with research participants in the International Youth Development Study (IYDS). The surveys will be conducted from early February 2020 through August 2020 using a multitude of contact strategies (email, mail, phone, social media, and in-person). The primary role of the Interviewer is to encourage and facilitate study participation.
Project Background:
IYDS is a multi-national study examining the longitudinal effects of alcohol and drug use during adolescence and early adulthood by conducting comparative analyses of data from statewide representative samples of adolescents in Victoria, Australia and Washington State. Participants were recruited at age 13 (Grade 7 in 2002) from schools throughout the state and then followed up at ages 14 and 15. A follow up survey with a portion of the US sample (961) occurred in 2014 at age 25, and again in 2018 at age 29. The current project aims to extend our earlier work with that same group and re-survey them at age 31.
Position Overview:
The primary role of the Interviewer is to follow up with non-responding study participants and maximize the number of participants in the 2020 data collection effort. Interviewers will use a variety of tools, resources, and techniques to coordinate survey completion. Initially the project work will be conducted from our offices in Northgate, Monday through Sunday in shifts during calling hours (between 9AM - 8PM). Later in the field period, Interviewers will take responsibility for an assigned caseload, work will become primarily decentralized (working from a home office), and will likely involve travel within the state of WA. When not directly working cases, Interviewers will be asked to perform other data collection and clerical duties related to the project.
Training will be provided (25-30 hours) and interviewers will be expected to demonstrate mastery of basic interviewing techniques and a clear understanding of the study before beginning work on the project.
Responsibilities:
• Complete interviewer training; demonstrate mastery of subject contact and basic interviewing techniques
• Contact study respondents using their last known contact information and provide study information
• Explain the purpose of research, study protocols and consent information to participants, as needed
• Prompt participants to complete a web survey (or paper survey as needed); conduct phone interviews (as needed)
• Maximize the number of participants in the study through effective search and retention procedures. Locate participants using in-house records & databases, and participant’s friends and family members.
• Conduct in-field searches, including WA state travel to participant addresses, as needed
• Maintain high response rates & implement refusal prevention techniques
• Maintain detailed and accurate records; follow detailed instructions accurately
• Work well independently and as a member of the project team
• Adhere to project protocols, maintain confidentiality of subject information
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, provide on-going feedback on survey administration & procedures and assist in problem-solving solutions
• Assist with other data collection and clerical tasks, as needed
• Maintain a dependable weekly work schedule
• Travel within WA, as needed, to locate respondents and/or conduct in-person interviews
Desired Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build rapport easily with diverse populations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable learning new technology; able to handle working with multiple systems (specifically MS Suite including Excel, Outlook, & Access, and SPSS survey software)
• Experience working on research projects or understanding of data collection process preferred
• Inherent to success in this position is persistence, creative thinking and a solutions-based orientation
Requirements:
• Two years of college-level course work in a relevant academic area AND one year of appropriate experience OR equivalent education/experience
• Flexible schedule: must have availability during day, evening and weekend hours
• Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle for travel
Appointment to this position is contingent upon obtaining satisfactory results from a criminal background check.
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 Work 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.