Posted on November 4, 2009

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Research Analyst (Part-Time)

The Vera Institute of Justice, an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace, is a nationally respected leader on justice issues and practice. Vera partners with leaders in government and civil society to advance independent, evidence-based innovation and reform—through research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects—to enhance the fairness and efficiency of the systems people depend on for safety and justice. As a part of its work, Vera's Washington DC office is working on a number of national projects, as well as a variety of projects with the District of Columbia Government.

One of Vera's District of Columbia projects is to provide the District's Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) with research and technical assistance to support their reform efforts around Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS). DHS has been charged with designing and implementing a diversion program to improve local services for youth status offenders. The purpose of the initiative is to prevent court processing and pre-trial detention of PINS youth by providing effective and data-informed assessment and support services to these young people and their families, reducing barriers to needed services and supports, and promoting pro-social behavior and successful transition into adulthood. DHS will also develop new referral protocols and establish integrated tracking and evaluation systems to monitor effectiveness of services and the reformulated PINS system.

Vera's Washington DC office is seeking a part-time (15-20 hours per week) research analyst for a 90-day period, to begin immediately, to assist with various aspects of quantitative and qualitative research related to the PINS project. There is a possibility of an extension beyond the initial 90-day period, although this is not guaranteed.

Responsibilities

• Draft human subjects application.
• Complete rigorous analyses of quantitative research data.
• Design data collection instruments.
• Design sample selection for quantitative research.
• Work with government partners to diagnose data capacity.
• Collect and analyze interview data on juveniles and their families.
• Conduct administrative data collection and organization activities across agencies.
• Develop research reports.
• Additional quantitative and qualitative research work on other projects at the Vera Washington, DC office is possible, depending on candidate's qualifications and project timing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a social science discipline and, ideally, an advanced degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• One to three years research experience—field experience with research projects preferred.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, social science research with experience in the areas of criminal and juvenile justice preferred.
• Experience in data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS.
• Excellent data management skills.
• Able to interact well with data managers in government and local agency settings.
• Able to pace tasks and meet overall internal and external target deadlines.
• Able to interact well with internal multi-disciplinary research team and supervisor.
• Attention to detail, excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Local travel to data sites in Washington, DC will be required.
• Experience with communities affected by criminal justice and other government systems a plus.

Compensation: $25 per hour.

How to Apply

Please submit (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) references, and (4) a brief writing sample (5-10 pages) demonstrating research writing skills. For online submission, please upload your cover letter, writing sample and references as one document.

Online submission is preferred: http://vera.theresumator.com/apply/mC4k9O

However, if necessary, materials may be mailed or faxed to:
ATTN: Human Resources / DC PT Research Analyst Recruitment Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Flr.
New York, NY 10279
Fax: (212) 941-9407

Please use only one method of submission (online, mail or fax).

No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Vera Institute of Justice values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about Vera or Vera's Washington, DC, office, please visit our website, www.vera.org.

Find out more by visiting the organization's web site»

Job Type: Research/Policy
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations