Research Associate

Job Description

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on "what works," staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

Duties

The Research Associate, under the direction and supervision of the Director for Research & Assessment, is responsible for designing and executing research projects that are necessary to monitor and evaluate various operational and policy initiatives launched by DOP. These initiatives fall into a broad range of areas, including but not limited to risk-needs assessment, graduate responses, community engagement, and structured decision-making; and cut across the agency's three core services in both juvenile and adult operations. Among the specific duties associated with this position are the following:

• Developing research plans for monitoring and evaluating DOP initiatives, programs, and policies.
• Overseeing data collection and analysis efforts related to these projects, including survey administration.
• Building and managing research databases that will help the agency assess both client outcomes and its own performance in serving clients.
• Conducting statistical analysis of administrative data in SPSS.
• Supervising staff analysts assigned to research projects.
• Working with the Director for Research & Assessment to improve and expand current systems for tracking agency data and measuring success.
• Coordinating and collaborating with other city criminal justice agencies in research, policy, and data-sharing initiatives.
• Preparing reports and presentations on research findings.
• Assisting the Director for Research & Assessment in reviewing Memoranda of Understanding.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
  
  

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
  
  

Note

Probationary Period

Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to adapt and work effectively with individuals in various parts of the agency, including operations, counsel's office, and training, and individuals in other city agencies that work with justice system-involved individuals. - Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills. - Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a calm, pleasant, and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres. - Significant planning and project management experience and an ability to supervise and coordinate staff. - Must present a professional appearance be dependable, punctual and willing to take initiative. - Strong background in criminal and/or juvenile justice policy. - An ability to work independently and think critically about research and policy issues. - At least two years of working experience with Excel, SPSS and/or STATA.
  
  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.