Growing Strong Research Interviewer Job Description

ABOUT:The Samuels Group, a social science research firm is playing key roles in an experimental intervention in New York City, Growing Strong, to reduce the time homeless families with babies spend in shelter.

SUMMARY: This position of Research Interviewer is best filled by a highly motivated, independent PhD student seeking research experience working on an innovative study that seeks to reduce the time homeless families in NYC are in shelter. People of color, bilingual Spanish/English students and those committed to the goals of fully addressing the issues of housing instability and homelessness are strongly encouraged to apply. Training in human services and social policy research is also highly valued. At this time, we are seeking to hire 1 additional research interviewer who resides in Brooklyn, NY.

This position is currently funded for 3 years and will be hired on a contract basis. The research team requests a minimum 6 month commitment to this position. The Research Interviewers will be paid $35/hour, for a minimum of 10 hours per week. In addition, the Research Interviewer will be provided with an iPad connected to the cellular network and a $25 monthly cell phone usage reimbursement. There are no other benefits associated with this position.

The Research Interviewer will be directly supervised by an experienced Research Manager and have the opportunity for mentorship from Judith Samuels, MBA, PhD as well as other members of the research team at Vanderbilt University.

The Research Interviewers will conduct survey interviews, often in person with families experiencing homelessness. In addition, some qualitative narrative interviews may be conducted, also with families experiencing homelessness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● The Research Interviewers (RI) will be responsible for meeting with families participating in the study. Duties include:

o Travel to the family shelters in NYC participating in the study.

o Some travel within NYC to meet with study participants after they move out of shelter.

o Introducing qualifying families to the study

o Obtaining informed consent and obtaining approval from families

o Enrolling families in the study

o Conducting quantitative survey interviews. Survey interviews will be recorded on iPads that will be provided. Ensuring the accuracy of the data collected during interviews.

o Conducting qualitative narrative interviews with families participating in the study. Reviewing qualitative interview recordings for accuracy.

o Participating in research team meetings to discuss data collection and data analysis. These meetings include our Lived Expertise Consultants who guide every aspect of the project.

● Ensuring that all aspects of their work on the project appropriately takes into consideration issues of racial equity and discrimination.

● Presenting project materials, findings to others as requested

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational background: Completed or currently enrolled in a PhD program related to the project’s social science, and policy goals.

Experience: 

● Personal lived expertise related to the NYC homeless services system is a plus.

● Experience conducting research interviews both survey and qualitative

● Past work on policy-oriented research is preferred.

Skills required:

● Certificate in Human Subjects training

● Interest in understanding the issues related to homelessness and the NYC homeless service sector.

● Ability to conduct research interviews, both survey and narrative

● Excellent organizational skills

● Demonstrated successful team player on collaborative projects.

Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV via email to: Info@thesamuelsgrp.comTips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.