Research Specialist - School of Social Work, Children and Family Research Center
University of Illinois

Research Specialist

Children and Family Research Center

School of Social Work

The Children and Family Research Center (CFRC) was established in 1996 in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to identify and monitor child welfare service outcomes, conduct program evaluations of key interventions and complete research on critical issues that impact the success of these efforts. The CFRC conducts child welfare program evaluations and promotes evidence-based practices that advance the public mission of ensuring the safety, permanence, and well-being of children in or at risk of substitute care. The CFRC also conducts research in related fields of research such as sexual assault, children's mental health services, implementation science, and predictive analytics. Contributes to the intellectual and scientific development of research studies including the development of proposals, study design, and methods. Collaborates with other researchers to conduct data collection and analysis and assists in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and academic articles.

Job Summary

Contributes to the intellectual and scientific development of research studies including the development of proposals, study design, and methods. Collaborates with other researchers to conduct data collection and analysis, and assists in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and academic articles. Work within a team environment to perform research and evaluation activities that enhance the child welfare and related human service fields, inform state and/or federal policy and practice, and contribute to scientific knowledge about child and family services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Perform a range of research activities that may include:

Evaluation
- Developing evaluation plans and research designs to answer specific research questions
- Completing and updating IRB applications
- Designing data collection instruments
- Collecting primary data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups
- Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, including data included in large, administrative data sets

Dissemination
- Writing and submitting reports to funders as required
- Presenting research findings to agency administrators and community stakeholders
- Presenting research findings at academic conferences
- Writing scholarly articles for publication in academic journals
- Disseminating research findings through alternate types of communications including newsletters, research briefs, infographics, webinars, and others (in consultation with the CFRC Director)

Grant-writing
- Participating in grant applications
- Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Master's or Doctorate degree in Psychology, Social Work, or other social science. Three years of professional (post-degree) research experience. Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing and reporting both quantitative and qualitative data. Demonstrated proficiency using various statistical software programs (SPSS, SAS, R, STATA, NVivo). Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential and sensitive data.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the child welfare system. Experience working in an applied research setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by research publications in academic journals or final evaluation reports. Ability to translate and convey complex concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences in both oral and written communications. Ability to work independently and effectively follow through on multiple priorities under deadline pressure.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is $72,000 to $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Fully remote or hybrid work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 19, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026572
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu