Research Program Specialist

Research Program Specialist Center for Prevention Research and Development School of Social Work The Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work is a vibrant applied research center that has been in operation for 30 years.
CPRD has a stable $3.
5 million‐dollar annual portfolio of grants in youth substance use prevention, maternal and early childhood health, health care for vulnerable populations, juvenile justice reform, and teen pregnancy prevention.
We work with meaningful data that has applications for the field and for impacting policy.
CPRD invests in its staff with actions and policies to support professional development and ongoing learning and growth opportunities.
The Research Program Specialist (RPS) for the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois' School of Social Work, works on a team that conducts evaluations of projects targeting community and school-based substance use prevention programs (SUPP) and provides technical assistance and training to SUPP providers throughout the state.
Develops and implements an evaluation plan; manages data collection; has ongoing contact with SUPP providers to provide assistance and support; provides technical assistance and training to contractors and funders; and prepares reports to funding agencies.
Activities include conducting annual reviews of SUPP evidence-based programs, providing technical assistance and training to SUPP providers, developing manuals, and collaborating on enhancements to the data collection system used by the SUPP system.
Duties and Responsibilities: Develops, Implements, and Manages Evaluation Plans • Develops and disseminates evaluation protocols and materials for evaluating evidence-based substance use prevention programs.
• Conducts annual reviews of evidence-based substance use prevention programs.
• Collaborates with team members to document and communicate results of annual reviews of evidence-based substance use prevention programs.
• Develops and monitor project timelines for meeting deliverables.
Data Collection Implementation, Review, and Communication • Uses Prevention Hub custom web application and spreadsheets to manage and track data collection among SUPP providers.
• Prepares reports and materials with the knowledge of the target audience’s needs.
• Reviews and interprets data analysis results and communicates data findings to a variety of target audiences.
• Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with funders and state-level administrators around the issues related to data collection, interpretation, and utilization of findings.
Provides Technical Assistance and Training • Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with SUPP providers around the issues related to evaluation design, data collection, and interpretation and utilization of evaluation findings.
• Develops documentation and manuals for using the Prevention Hub custom web application.
• Tests enhancements to Prevention Hub custom web application.
• Ongoing contact with SUPP providers to provide technical assistance on data collection, Prevention Hub custom web application, and process and outcomes evaluation • Provides support to SUPP providers in recruitment of schools in their area to participate in the Illinois Youth Survey and support their efforts through implementation and data utilization of the survey results.
• Develops and delivers adult professional development activities to promote practical collection and use of data (online, classroom-based, Prevention Hub custom web application), consistent with best practices in adult education and theories underlying Instructional design.
Collaborate with Team Members to Meet Research Goals • Work collaboratively with other team members.
• Partner with team members to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Other duties and responsibilities appropriate for this position Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field.
Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or advanced degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field.
Two or more years of experience working in the substance use prevention field.
Experience with data collection and analysis as well as experience in applied research, program evaluation, training, consultation and technical assistance.
Knowledgeable about working in an applied research setting.
Excellent interpersonal, time management, organizational and solution focused skills.
Advanced writing skills for proofing and editing documents.
Ability to use MS Excel skills, MS Word, and MS PPT.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Basic knowledge of prevention and early intervention programs.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Knowledgeable about working with diverse populations and cultures (e.
g.
, race/ethnicity, class, gender).
Good judgment (e.
g.
, working within our contracted role, responding appropriately to requests, verifying information) when representing CPRD externally via trainings, presentations, and site visits.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis.
The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes.
Hybrid work options may be considered for this position.
The minimum of the salary range for this position is $51,000.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on December 6, 2023 (extended date).
Interviews may occur before the closing date; however, all applications received by the closing date will receive full consideration.
Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.
Applications not submitted through https://jobs.
illinois.
edu will not be considered.
Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.
For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.
edu.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.
Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.
edu.
Requisition ID: 1021247 Job Category: Research Apply at: https://jobs.
illinois.
edu