Position Summary
Decision Information Resources (DIR), a subcontractor to American Institutes for Research (AIR), is seeking self-motivated, outgoing individuals to assist in collecting qualitative data as part of the Birth through Eight Strategy of Tulsa (BEST Study). We are looking for field interviewers for an ethnography component of the study. Ethnography is a type of qualitative research that seeks to better understand communities and cultures. Visits and interviews with family will primarily occur over the phone and/or using video conferencing technology.
Occasionally, there may be a need for in-person visits.BEST is a community-based initiative in Tulsa, Oklahoma that provides coordinated supports and services in the earliest years of children’s lives to help make Tulsa a good place for all children and families to live, grow and thrive. The study will occur over a six-year period to understand the impact and the experiences of families with children ages birth to age eight years, as the BEST initiative is implemented. The work is expected to begin immediately with a multi-day training that combines virtual live training (2 hours per day) and home study.
Applicants are required to pass certification to demonstrate proficiency in using the data collection protocols and procedures.
- Candidates will work 15 - 25 hours per week after training, depending on the number of families they work with.
- Strong preference for staff who can commit to at least one year of work on the project.
Primary Responsibilities
Ethnography Study Responsibilities: conducting ethnographic visits with parents and children, including relationship-based interviewing and qualitative writing field notes.
- Participate in training to conduct open-ended qualitative interviews, using observer-participant research methods, in accordance with study data collection protocols.
- Conduct monthly in-person and/or phone ethnographic visits and qualitative interviews with parents and their children.
- Efficiently write and submit to the study team clear and detailed qualitative interview field notes following study guidelines and procedures. Revise and update notes per study team’s review guidance.
- Analyze and code qualitative field notes.
- Regularly communicate with study managers about assigned family cases and participate in regular team meetings.
- Accurately keep records, paperwork, visit records, and timecards.
Requirements
Key Work Competencies
- Previous research experience, with preference for knowledge of qualitative research methods (e.g., conducting observations, conversational interviews, semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, case studies). Ethnography and multi-cultural/anti-bias/inclusive research experience is also highly desirable.
- Experience managing multiple cases, observing and interviewing families, and taking prompt detailed notes is required. A background in social work, children and family services, home visiting, or other case management experience a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to build trust and rapport with family members and research team; strong emotional intelligence.
- Superior verbal communication, listening and writing skills that are highly detailed oriented, with the ability to articulate clearly and concisely in field notes and over email, Zoom, and telephone.
- Flexible, multi-tasking, and team-oriented working approach due to the changing nature of the work and engaging families and children.
- Ability to handle unexpected or difficult situations with a professional demeanor, with a problem-solving orientation.
- Ability to work effectively and with high-quality outputs both independently and within a team.
- Strong computer proficiency with MS Office software (Word, Excel, etc.); ability to learn new software including qualitative software.
- Strong, reliable, and private internet access for working remotely.
- Culturally aware and able to work in different family situations and settings; Ability to work with diverse families in a culturally responsive manner, with respect and openness.
Minimum Required Qualifications/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, sociology, child development, family studies or related fields with course work in research methods. Course work specific to qualitative and/or ethnographic research; and/or equivalent experience/training in qualitative interviewing and research preferred. Graduate-level degree or experience in qualitative research method is also preferred.
- A minimum of 1 year of related and Spanish.
Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions
- Requires sitting, standing, and bending and a normal range of hearing and vision.
20 To 22 (USD) Hourly
