Part Time Research Assistant

On behalf of The Policy and Research Group (PRG), Headway Workforce Solutions is currently seeking Research Assistants to assist with the implementation of the Freshmen Focus Study in New York City schools. The Freshman Focus Study is a federally-funded study of a peer-to-peer mentoring intervention designed to improve educational outcomes and reduce teen pregnancy and related risk behaviors in 9th graders. PRG will provide specific training for this position.

About the Study

PRG is conducting a randomized control trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of this intervention at multiple high schools in New York City. The study requires the administration of questionnaires to participants at enrollment (start of 9th grade school year) and two follow-up data collection points (start of 10th and 11th grade school years).

Job Description

As a Research Assistant, you will assist with recruitment of 9th grade students into the study, which will entail attending incoming ninth grade events to educate students and parents about the study, ensuring that both parents and students complete the consent form, working with 9th grade teachers to manage the consent process at the beginning of the school year, and managing the distribution of student and teacher incentives. The research assistant will also help with survey administration by managing student rosters, proctoring classrooms, and providing student incentives.

Qualifications:

• 0 - 1 years of experience in similar role
• Strong interest in conducting high-quality research
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Comfortable talking and working with adolescents
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Commitment to PRG’s mission: To improve the potential of people through scientifically rigorous research and evaluation that benefits our clients and influences policy
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; most data collection activities will occur during the weekdays; some evening and weekend hours may be required

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working within a school setting is a plus
• CITI Human Subjects certification is a plus
• Completed fingerprinting by the NYC Department of Education is a plus

Duties:

• Assist with the coordination of and preparation for data collection including organizing, maintaining, and managing data collection materials and incentives; and assisting with school-based 9th, 10th, or 11th grade classroom pencil and paper survey administration
• Coordinate with 9th grade schools to organize student/parent consent forms for cohort 2 of the study at the beginning of the school year which will include educating homeroom teachers about the consent forms; dropping off forms; maintaining a roster of outstanding students for consent forms; providing student and classroom incentives; $15 gift cards, for the return of completed consent forms
• Be enthusiastic about the consent process, and the student potential to participate
• Respond to student, parent, and teacher questions about study enrollment; follow-up with students and parents via phone about study enrollment
• Communicate regularly with PRG Research Analysts who oversee project and school staff
• Act as lead point person for one school throughout the consent collection and data collection process

About The Policy and Research Group

The Policy & Research Group (PRG), based in New Orleans, specializes in research and evaluation of public policy and programs. We apply high-quality social science methodology to study a broad range of areas, including: education, public health, child welfare, work and income, housing, and adolescent risk reduction. PRG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PRG operates a casual work environment that is both professionally and intellectually demanding. See www.policyandresearch.com for more information.

Headway Workforce Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Headway Workforce Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.