at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Project DirectorChildren 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.
Assistant Professor and CFRC Faculty Director William Schneider seeks a Project Director for an upcoming multi-year study in Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, a large private service organization, and faculty at the schools of social work at the University of Connecticut, and Rutgers University. The project director will be appointed for a 12-month term, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The candidate will be directly supervised by William Schneider.
Job Summary
Oversee the training and work of several BA and MSW level research assistants, and coordinate with faculty principal investigators, IL DCFS officials, and leaders at a large state-wide service provider organization. Manage IRB submissions, Advisory Board meetings, and monitor and identify data and implementation challenges, among other duties. Work both independently and as part of a team, with the opportunity to collaborate on the publication of briefs, white papers, academic journal articles, and conference submissions.
Duties & Responsibilities
Research and Project Management
- Develop a work plan and timeline for the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases of the project in collaboration with the service provider agency and research staff.
- Oversee the completion of project objectives according to the project timeline, including Advisory Board activities, development of the intervention's fidelity manual, staff training, data collection, analysis and dissemination.
- Manage development and submission of study materials for review by the IRB.
- Supervise project staff, including research assistants and project assistants, in their duties including scheduling and conducting interviews and focus groups with key study personnel and study participants.
- Supervise the training of research assistants in obtaining consent, data collection and data analysis procedures; supervise research assistants and ensure all study activities are performed according to ethical guidelines for the conduct of research with human subjects.
- Monitor and support the development of the caseworker training as needed.
- Oversee the provision of cash gifts and research participant incentives.
- Monitor study outputs and data quality, identify implementation challenges for troubleshooting with key project personnel.
- Engage in ongoing communications with service provider agency staff regarding study progress, coordinating efforts to ensure implementation to fidelity. Collaborate with service provider agency staff on the communications and dissemination plans for the study; support the development of written products to publicize the study and disseminate findings.
- 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.
Masters degree in Social Work received by time of position start. Demonstrated proficiency in research activities, including working with both quantitative and qualitative data, study development, and IRB. Experience working in a collaborative research environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and clear evidence of organizational capacities. Ability to work independently and effectively follow through on multiple priorities under deadline pressure.
The position offers ample opportunity for professional development, such as attending workshops, additional training in specific research methods or tools, and mentorship opportunities. The position will also offer training and mentorship on grant writing and the opportunity to apply for research funding.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is July 2024. Fully-remote or hybrid work may be considered for this position. The minimum of the salary range for this position is $70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
Required Documents to Apply
• Current CV
• Writing sample
• Cover letter describing your research interests and experience and reason for applying
• Names and contact information of three references
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 23, 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 current CV, writing sample, cover letter, 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: 1024156
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
