Job Title: Research & Assessment Specialist Spartanburg, South Carolina
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 48888
Department

Institute for Justice Research and Development (IJRD)

College of Social Work

Unlike traditional academic research centers, our approach is anchored in trans-sector innovation. We use this approach because it is clear that the problems in criminal justice cannot be solved solely from within - this has been tried for decades with little progress. Trans-sector innovation uses a problem solving approach that brings various disciplines together to respond to the increasingly connected and complex challenges facing our communities.

Position Overview

The Research & Assessment Specialist position is responsible for coordinating and implementing data collection for criminal justice involved individuals who are participating in a research project on the effectiveness of programming and services. This team member will conduct in-person, mobile, and technology-assisted interviews and assessments with project participants. The interviews and assessments will cover trauma, behavioral health disorders, employment, community stability, and wellbeing. The position requires frequent travel within communities and to project sites and a flexible schedule.

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.

Responsibilities

• Recruits and enrolls study participants within criminal justice and community settings. These settings include but are not limited to prisons, community partner sites, participants’ homes, and public settings.
• Administer computerized assisted personal interviews with participants on behavioral health, trauma, employment, community stability, and wellbeing assessments.
• Explains the purpose of the project and obtains informed consent from project participants.
• Use motivational engagement techniques to support, encourage, and retain participants in the research project.
• Interacts with participant families and other formal and informal community supports that will aid in retaining participants in the project.
• Closely tracks and maintains contact with study participants to ensure that follow-up data collection is completed.
• Coordinates with criminal justice stakeholders and other community partners to schedule appointments and visits.
• Observes, identifies, and does other duties as assigned for what is needed to move the project forward in a way that best represents IJRD.
• Maintains appropriate record keeping and organization of all interview and assessment data, including data entry.
• Ensures compliance with protocol guidelines and requirements of the Florida State University Institutional Review Board. Identifies problems and/or inconsistencies with data collection and monitors project participants progress to include documentation and reporting of adverse events.
• Actively and regularly participates in team meetings and the identification of team goals.
• Engages other team members in reviewing participants’ progress in the project.
• Integrating feedback from participants and team members into project design and data collection.
• Fully participates in training and re-training for skill development as required by IJRD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in social work, psychology, or related counseling field and two years of experience
• Must have ability to adapt to flexible hours and be available to work some evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to work independently while collaborating with a larger team.
• Must be eligible to pass and maintain security clearance in order to conduct interviews in correctional facilities.
• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance.

Preferred

• Prior primary data collection on other research projects.
• Prior experience conducting mental health and substance use disorder clinical assessments.
• Working knowledge of computer programs and systems, such as computer assisted personal interview software.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with a criminal justice population.
• Ability to engage effectively with both participants and colleagues through verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in writing and maintaining computer-based participant records in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations and psychiatric emergencies utilizing appropriate crisis response techniques.
• Highly organized, self-starter with good interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

Pay Plan

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional) position.

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Soft Money Funded Position

This position is time-limited based on soft money funding, with renewal contingent upon available funds and the needs of the University.

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Verified Schedule
• May have to work evenings and weekends

Criminal Background Check

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. The background check will be conducted as authorized and in accordance with University Policy 4-OP-C-7-B11.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Tobacco Free Campus

Effective January 1, 2014, tobacco use, including simulated tobacco use, is prohibited on property, interior and exterior, owned or managed by Florida State University. This policy applies to all Florida State University students, employees, consultants, contractors, visitors, and external individuals.

Re-advertisement

This position is being re-advertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.