Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

Position Summary

This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. If business needs change, an individual employee's designation may be adjusted with a required minimum of ten (10) business days' notice unless employee conduct or safety issues necessitate otherwise at the discretion of management.

The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Associate to serve as an investigator on a research project.Evaluation of Human Service Programs.The Research Associate will be involved in collecting data on the operation of human service programs. As a Research Associate you will be involved in the design and development of survey instruments. This individual will be involved in the evaluation of training provided to child welfare workers and supervisors in county departments of social services across the state. This position will schedule and conduct interviews and focus groups with agency officials and caseworkers who are involved in the delivery of human service programs. The Research Associate will assist in evaluating an intervention to address substance abuse in parents with children involved in child welfare.Exploring the Experiences of Children and Families Involved with Child WelfareThe Research Associate will be responsible for extracting and managing information from computer systems used in the administration of human service programs. This position will use data to generate a series of longitudinal files to track the experiences of families and children who participate in those programs. This position will also be involved in the analysis of behavioral health diagnoses and treatment of children involved with the child welfare system. This person will conduct interviews with individuals who have lived expertise in the child welfare program.Research Skills.The Research Associate will need to work with datasets from different systems to create longitudinal files. This individual will assist in developing, designing, and conducting one or more moderately complex research projects or experiments, tracking progress, and evaluating results. The Research Associate will assist in acquiring new funding including developing proposals, formulating and implementing research methods, and developing and monitoring budgets. This individual also will contribute to and co-author publications and co-present results with the Principal Investigator and other members of the research team at meetings and conferences. The Research Associate will be responsible for qualitative analysis software. This individual will assist in presenting findings of research and analysis to staff in county departments of social services, managers and staff in the NC Division of Social Services, and management of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.This individual will need to work with various datasets from different systems to create longitudinal files.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level institutional planning/assessment experience, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Must know how to communicate (written and spoken) technical material to a variety of audiences.Strong interpersonal skills.Be able to work independently and be detail oriented.Knowledge of child welfare and substance abuse programs.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Master's degree in social work, public policy, statistics, data analytics, or a social science discipline is preferred.Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis.Experience in questionnaire design.Experience with the Qualtrics survey software.Prefer candidates with a working knowledge of SASTraining and experience in working with administrative and/or operational data is highly desirable

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/287972