Research Associate

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

Allies is committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of children and families. We apply innovative research and promote evidence-based solutions to improve equitable outcomes for communities who have been historically underserved.

The Research Associate is responsible for collaborating with staff agency-wide to prioritize impact—customizing evaluation methods, determining relevant tools/reports, and implementing best practices to expand our data literacy and increase our data capacity. The applied research and evaluation projects for this role include early childhood education, early childhood mental health, family preservation, foster care and adoptions. Evaluations utilize quantitative and qualitative methods.

Agency Overview

Allies for Every Child (Allies) exists to give at-risk children and children living in poverty the foundation they need to increase their life choices and lead fulfilling lives. For over 30 years, Allies has been providing thousands of at-risk children and their families with critical, high-quality early education programs (including comprehensive Early Head Start services), family strengthening interventions, foster care and adoption services, and a range of vital, integrated services, including early childhood mental health, disabilities screenings, nutrition, dental and vision screenings, and mental health and pediatric health consultations.

DETAILS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Organize evaluation activities in conjunction with the Chief Impact Officer, Leadership Team members and/or external funding sources
• Plan, design and refine qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, observation protocols, rubrics, interview guides, focus group guides)
• Work to intentionally apply culturally responsive evaluation throughout the evaluation process
• Lead various data collection efforts
• Support with the development and delivery of training for staff and external partners responsible for outcome measure administration and data submission.
• Contribute to the development of analysis plans using qualitative software and review others’ analyses to ensure quality
• Conduct and manage quantitative data analysis including basic and advanced statistical analyses (e.g. factor analysis, multiple regression) from systems such as ChildPlus, Exym and Qualtrics.
• Organize and draft evaluation reports and presentations for different audiences.
• Present at conferences, staff events and client events
• Participate in professional learning opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and abilities in content areas relevant to work responsibilities
• Provide miscellaneous research support related to clinical practice, early childhood education and (ad hoc meta-data synthesis, hypothesis development, program design)

• Undergraduate degree in psychology, education, child development or related social science field
• Knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, measurement and qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with conducting applied research or evaluation in education, psychology or social sciences
• Minimum of 3 years’ programming experience in at least one major statistical package (e.g., SPSS, Stata)
• Maintain confidentiality of clients and ensure adherence to “human subjects” protocols with all research activity
• Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, discretion and confidentiality
• Strong computer literacy skills (MIS, word processing, database and spreadsheets, internet and email use required)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an ethical mindset
• Effective verbal and written communications skills
• Creative problem solver with a can-do attitude, resourceful thinker
• Ability to prioritize tasks, flexible
• Ability to liaise effectively with a range of relevant authorities, individuals and organizations
• Desire to be a part of a diverse team, and the ability to both think independently and work collaboratively
• Passionate about learning and possesses curiosity about issues affecting children and families
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and families who are served by our agency
• Comply with all applicable federal, state and county regulations, policies, and procedures
• In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description
• Fingerprint background clearance (DOJ, FBI & Child Abuse Clearance Index), or approved exemption
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical, TB test/TB risk assessment, proof of vaccinations for Covid-19 booster, and immunizations for pertussis (Tdap), measles (MMR), influenza (can decline)
• Class “C” driver’s license, proof of insurance, a safety record acceptable to CAA, and reliable transportation required

$2500 SIGN-ON INCENTIVE BONUS

PAY RANGE: $24.00 – $26.00 per hour (In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this California position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

FOR CONSIDERATION: Email cover letter and resume to humanresources@alliesforeverychild.org

Full Benefits Package offered including:

• Competitive pay
• 100% employer contribution to: Health – Kaiser or Anthem, Dental, Vision
• 401k retirement plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• 12 paid holidays,
• 10 days paid sick leave
• 10 days paid vacation leave (increases with tenure)
• 2 personal days for birthday and anniversary of employment
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

BECOME AN ALLY TODAY!

Allies for Every Child actively seeks candidates who reflect the rich diversity of the communities that we serve. We are committed to a work environment that embraces and promotes individuality and inclusion. We believe that diversity and inclusion of varied perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences are essential to our organization’s effectiveness, and allows us to serve our clients in the respectful, responsive, and understanding way that they deserve. We define diversity in broad terms to include race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, geography, socio-economic status and other unique attributes that make us who we are.

Allies for Every Child has achieved accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). This means our programs, services, administration, and management have been rigorously evaluated and meet best practice standards. Visit www.COAnet.org to learn more about COA Accreditation.