Career Center

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Looking for a team member to join our dedicated and collaborative environment.

The Northwestern Juvenile Project is a 25-year longitudinal study of the mental health needs and outcomes of youth in detention.  We are conducting an intergenerational phase of this study (“Next Generation”) which examines the development of risky behaviors—and factors that promote resilience—in children.  Interviewers conduct 2-3 hour computer-assisted structured research interviews. Interviews are currently conducted over the phone/Zoom and in-person. Field interviews are typically conducted throughout the Chicagoland area – in participant’s home or other locations convenient to the participant.

Participants are adults with previous contact with the juvenile justice system, and their adolescent children. Interviews assess problem behaviors, firearm involvement, substance use, mental health needs, and parenting practices, among other areas. Interviewers also help to locate hard-to find participants through meticulous tracking procedures, edit interview and administrative forms, and attend weekly field meetings.  Working hours are primarily afternoon, evening and weekends—times when adolescents are not in school.  In-person interviews are currently conducted during weekend shifts.

One weekend shift (preferably Sunday) is required, along with two evening shifts during the week (e.g., 12pm-8pm).  One full-time position is available.  This is not a remote position.

Please note: Reliable car, valid driver's license and good driving record required;

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Participates in the planning and conduct of research study.
• Consults with project manager, data team, and measurement team.
• Manifests cultural sensitivity and creative problem solving to locate and retain participants.
• Obtains informed consent.
• Administers tests &/or questionnaires following protocols.
• Collects, compiles, & processes responses.
• Assesses hard-to-find cases to develop culturally sensitive tracking plans.
• Reviews relevant case materials associated with assigned scheduled cases and perform all preparatory work.
• Performs tracking activities (i.e. field visits, internet searches, phone calls etc.) in order to track participants due for interviews. 
• Strategically navigates Chicago neighborhoods to locate and interview participants in an informed and safe manner.
• Documents all contacts or attempts to locate participants.
• Monitors and maintains systems for effective participant and data flow for studies.

Administration

• Bench tests interview protocols and provides feedback on the effectiveness of interview protocols.
• Confirms and updates locating information during each contact with participants and locating sources.
• Prepares handwritten thank you notes after interview.
• Ensures that all study documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols are completed in a timely manner.
• Edits interviews and administrative forms and revises after editorial review as needed.

Finance

• Process payments for research participants per study protocol.   

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
• Experience working with at-risk adults and children.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Familiar with Chicago neighborhoods and able to navigate them safely.
• Experience with home visits.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills (be able to develop quick rapport).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• Experience working with persons with correctional backgrounds.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience conducting structured interviews

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.