Data Collector/Research Assistant

Description

Erikson Institute is seeking to hire a data collector/research assistant to work on two evaluation projects focused on home-based child care providers in Chicago. The first project is an evaluation of a training program for agency specialists who work with family child care providers. The second project is an evaluation of an initiative that is implementing support and leadership groups for caregivers and parents of young children in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.

Data collection involves assisting in leading focus groups with program participants and collecting and recording semi-ethnographic observations of support groups. Data collection also includes conducting in-person and telephone interviews with agency specialists and child care providers. The ideal candidate will have some experience with program evaluation and/or working with child care providers and parents.

Data management and analysis involves coding interview data, writing data summaries, and running simple descriptive statistics. The ideal candidate will have some knowledge of NVIVO and/or SPSS. We are willing to consider candidates who need additional training in data analysis.

This is an hourly position up to 20 hours a week beginning in September, 2012 for one year with possibility of work beyond that year. Research assistant will be reimbursed for all travel expenses including mileage.

Roles & Responsibilities:
• Conduct focus groups, observations, and telephone interviews in Chicago from September 2012 through June 2013
• Help with project and data management from September 2012 through August 2013
• Travel to North Lawndale and other Chicago neighborhoods.
• Work on-site at Erikson Institute on project and data management

About Erikson
Founded in 1966, Erikson Institute is one of the nation's leading graduate schools in child development and early childhood education. It is a private, independent, NCA-accredited graduate school offering master's degrees, a Ph.D., graduate certificates, and professional development courses in child development and early childhood education. Erikson provides a variety of employee benefits, including excellent health and dental plans, life/disability insurance, transit stipend, matching retirement contributions, and more. To learn more, visit our Web site at www.erikson.edu

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

Mandatory Job Qualifications

Qualifications:
• Experience conducting research and collecting data through interviews and observations required.
• Reliable car, valid driver’s license required.
• Experience working with child care programs and families
• Working towards or holds a Master’s degree in social sciences
• Some background in early childhood or related field is helpful but not required
• Detail-oriented and reliable professional.
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week with some flexibility