Temporary Community Research Coordinator- SWORPS- UTK

Position Details

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Hybrid • Position Pay Rate/Range: $25 per hour
• Hours: 20 hours per week.
• Duration of Temporary Assignment: 9 months

This is a part-time contract, 9-month position.

As a member of the Program Evaluation Unit within Social Work Office of Research and Public Service's Division of Applied Research and Evaluation (DARE), this position works in collaboration with the Unit's Manager, evaluators, and other team members to develop and execute research and evaluation plans for the City of Knoxville's Tender Loving Care Project. This position has deep ties to the communities impacted by the project and will provide guidance to support successful adoption of the project.

-The Community Research Coordinator responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

- Work with team members to develop an evaluation plan, evaluation instruments, and protocols

- Collect data through interviews, focus groups, and surveys

- Synthesize and analyze qualitative and quantitative data

- Translate findings, as well as the methods that produced them, for stakeholders who are unfamiliar with evaluation practice and terminology.

- Prepare and present interim and final reporting to stakeholders.

- Identify and develop partnerships with key stakeholders within TLC Project zones

- Act as a Program Evaluation champion, reinforcing with stakeholders, community members, and sponsors the importance of evaluation and the benefits a strong evaluation has on project success

- Recruit community members and stakeholders to participate in the TLC Project Advisory Board

- Participate as an active member of the TLC Project Advisory Board

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience:

-2 years of personal experience living or working in an area impacted by community-based violence

-Familiarity with program evaluation practices and data collection methodologies (Coursework acceptable)

-2 years of experience with community organizing

- Must have a valid driver's license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage or an alternative reliable means of transportation to travel in the service area.

-Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

-Deep and thorough knowledge of the communities impacted by the TLC Project

-Ability to organize community members

-Knowledgeable about data collection methods and methods for protecting confidential data.

-Demonstrated experience of strong observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills to be able to review trends, information, and outcomes and deduce reasons for the results and consider alternative possibilities for conclusions and recommendations.

-Demonstrated strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear and concise written and verbal reports that outline findings

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience:

- 5 years of personal experience living or working in an area impacted by community-based violence.

- 2 years of experience with program evaluation practices and data collection methodologies (outside of coursework)

- 5 years of experience with community organizing

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

-Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of research and program evaluation practices, particularly culturally competent evaluation.

-Knowledgeable about qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methodologies.

-Knowledge of measurement theories and experience with design, validity, and reliability of instruments.

About The College/Department/Division

The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) is an applied research center of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (CSW). We are a dynamic and close-knit interdisciplinary team of individuals with a shared vision of thriving communities with equitable outcomes for all. We do that by building partnerships that leverage research, technology, and human connection to improve lives in Tennessee and beyond.

Over the past fifty years, SWORPS has worked with local nonprofits such as the United Way of Greater Knoxville, University of Tennessee departments and faculty researchers, state agencies such as the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Our annual portfolio consists of 25-40 sponsored projects spanning a wealth of different content areas, but one common thread -each project contributes one more building block for thriving communities with equitable outcomes for all.

Learn more about SWORPS and some of our programs and resources by visiting our webpage: https://www.sworps.tennessee.edu/

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

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