Data Collector

Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to collect data for the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), an important study funded by the National Institute on Aging in a cooperative agreement with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

NHATS Data Collectors will locate, gain cooperation from, and interview Medicare recipients age 65 years and older in their homes for a longitudinal study. Data Collectors will use Westat equipment including, but not limited to, a laptop, smartphone, and tablet. The interview is conducted in-person at the respondent’s home, takes approximately 2½ hours, and covers issues regarding how life changes as we age. Data Collectors also regularly receive and transmit data via internet connection and report progress and costs to their supervisor.

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment, regular testing for COVID-19, or other screening activities may be required. Due to study protocols, client requirements, the sample population, and public health regulations, field employees hired on NHATS 2023 must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire, and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Interested applicants are required to view the NHATS Data Collector video to learn more about this position prior to submitting an application. To view the video, click the link below:

NHATS: The Data Collector’s Job

Or cut and paste this URL into your browser:

https://westat-jobs.westat.com/videos/NHATS_interviewer.cfm

Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information;
• Be available to complete a fully remote, virtual training program between April 27 – May 10, 2023, which will include hard-copy materials; and
• Be available to attend a mandatory, out-of-town, in-person training between Monday, May 15, and Saturday, May 20, 2023.

NHATS Data Collectors must successfully complete training and demonstrate proficiency of the activities component.

Minimum Requirements

• Reside in the geographic location determined by the project;
• Be available to work during the data collection period of April 2023 through April 2024;
• Be available to work 25 hours per week, at least 6 hours per day, 4 weekdays per week; and complete a minimum of two interviews per week when work is available;
• Be able to complete the training according to the given schedule while adhering to professional training protocols;
• Be able to communicate multiple times per week with your assigned supervisor during the training period;
• Be willing to drive locally throughout the county or surrounding counties to complete project work;
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, which include lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment and materials; walking a few blocks; climbing a flight of stairs while carrying equipment; kneeling or bending to mark out a walking course; and demonstrating and assisting respondents with the physical activities component;
• Have a secure, high-speed internet home connection. The training program requires internet access for eLearning training modules, online classrooms, and video calls;
• Have a valid (current) driver’s license that is not under suspension;
• Have regular and reliable access to an insured, reliable vehicle; and
• Have work experience in jobs requiring public contact such as sales, teaching, real estate, or social work.

Preferred Criteria

• Have in-person household interviewing experience;
• Be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English;
• Have strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Have excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use the keyboard and email);
• Be comfortable using smartphones to keep track of time, enter data, and navigate;
• Have the ability to conduct in-depth interviews with people from all walks of life and socio-economic strata in respondents’ homes;
• Be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with respondents;
• Be able to establish and maintain a good rapport with study respondents;
• Be self-motivated, organized, detail oriented, and able to convey the importance of the study to respondents;
• Display a professional appearance and demeanor;
• Work consistently in an organized manner;
• Be flexible in working assigned cases;
• Work well in a team environment with little direct supervision;
• Be responsive to corrective feedback; and
• Be able to read maps.

Microsoft Teams will be used to conduct interviews with candidates for this position.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history.

This is a part-time variable hour, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance. The hourly rate for this position is dependent on geographic location. The hourly rate for this location is $19.45. All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hour worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.

Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.