Research Program Specialist - School of Social Work

About the role

For the Violence Prevention Research Lab within the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work, works on a team that conducts evaluations of community and school-based violence prevention programs and provides technical assistance and training to providers throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an evaluation plan; manage data collection; maintain ongoing contact with violence prevention providers to provide assistance and support.
• Provide technical assistance and training to contractors and funders; prepare reports to funding agencies.
• Conduct annual reviews of evidence-based violence prevention programs.
• Develop materials for evaluating violence prevention programs and collaborate on enhancements to data collection systems.
• Develop and monitor project timelines for meeting deliverables.
• Use REDCap or a similar system to manage and track data collection among providers.
• Facilitate data collection efforts (e.g., focus groups, interviews) with providers.
• Review and interpret data analysis results; communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Form partnerships with funders and state-level administrators on data collection, interpretation, and use of findings.
• Manage Institutional Review Board protocols for research projects.
• Form partnerships with providers on evaluation design, data collection, and interpretation and use of findings.
• Develop documentation and manuals for REDCap or other data collection systems.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance on data collection and evaluation activities to providers.
• Develop and deliver adult professional development activities using adult education and instructional design theories.
• Collaborate with team members to meet research goals, including supervising research assistants and interns.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field.
• Two or more years of experience working in the violence prevention field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data collection and analysis and applied research.
• Experience in program evaluation, training, consultation and technical assistance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of violence prevention programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and with diverse populations and cultures.
• Good judgment when representing VPRL externally via trainings, presentations, and site visits.
• Knowledgeable about working in an applied research setting.
• Excellent time management, organizational and solution-focused skills.
• Advanced writing skills for proofing and editing documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, REDCap and SPSS.

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. Hybrid work options may be available per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Pay

The budgeted salary range is $55,000–$60,000; salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.