RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Juvenile and Family Law Programs Research and Evaluation

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1 CHALLENGING AND REWARDING OPPORTUNITY IN JUVENILE JUSTICE/FAMILY LAW RESEARCH AND EVALUATION WITH A NATIONAL NON-PROFIT LOCATED IN RENO, NEVADA Juvenile and Family Law Programs Research and Evaluation Salary Range: $54,000 $84,000 per annum, DOE FLSA Status: Exempt The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), a non-profit organization headquartered in Reno, NV, pursues a mission to improve courts and systems practice and raise awareness of the core issues that touch the lives of many of our nation s children and families. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, publication development, technical assistance, and policy development in the field of juvenile and family justice, the NCJFCJ is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide. NCJFCJ values staff who are independent, creative, tenacious, resourceful, dependable, and passionate about their work. NCJFCJ staff work collaboratively in a team setting to achieve this mission. The focus of the Juvenile Law program is to affect national policy and enhance the functioning of the juvenile and family court field through state-of-the-art research, training and professional education, technical assistance, and the production of educational resources to the benefit of children, families, and communities. Juvenile and Family Law Programs is seeking a Research Associate to join its multi-disciplinary and highly dedicated Research and Evaluation team. This position will be involved in a range of juvenile justice, domestic violence, and dependency-related research, evaluation, development, and technical assistance projects at the national, staff, and local level. This position, in collaboration with the research team and other program staff, will engage in a variety of research and evaluation projects that assist the juvenile justice and juvenile dependency field and its partners in upgrading practice, measuring performance, and improving outcomes. This challenging, yet rewarding position will be responsible for: Designing and implementing all aspects of a research study or project Writing reports and developing presentations and other means to disseminate information developed by research projects Research Associate_JLAW_EXT HR2016

2 Designing surveys and other data collection instruments Developing coding design and instructions for survey and research instruments Assisting in writing grant applications and proposal development Giving presentations and representing the organization at conferences and training sessions Communicating with outside researchers and funders/grant monitors as required to accomplish project tasks Keeping abreast and reviewing current research in the field Providing consultation and technical assistance for juvenile and family court practitioners Strong emphasis is placed on experiences and abilities in: Applied evaluation design Clear and effective writing skills for an applied audience Working independently on all aspects of a research/evaluation project Basic understanding of juvenile and family court systems preferred Ability to travel frequently is required The NCJFCJ offers a comprehensive salary and benefit package that includes medical/dental/ vision/prescription coverage for full-time employees and their dependents, life insurance, and retirement savings plan with employer match. If you are a dynamic and professional individual who appreciates demanding yet gratifying work, gets along well in a team environment, and is committed to getting the job done, we invite you to submit your completed application materials. Please visit for a complete position profile and application instructions. FOR FULL CONSIDERATION, applicants must submit the following documents no later than 5:00 p.m., October 31, 2016: Tailored Letter of Interest Résumé or CV Writing Sample National Council Application form (available at Please required application materials to hr@ncjfcj.org. Hard copy: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Lauri Watkins, Human Resources Generalist P.O. Box 8970 Reno, NV ~ NCJFCJ is proud to be an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Employer ~ Research Associate_JLAW_EXT HR2016

3 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES POSITION DESCRIPTION Job Data Job Summary Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Reports To: PRO2 Exempt Date: October 2016 Senior Research Associate, Program Director, Director, Chief Program Officer The Research Associate position works with project leaders in the coordination and management of research projects. This position is responsible for the development of research strategies, performance of data collection, data management, and data analysis tasks along with producing reports, presentations, and other materials. The Research Associate will develop expertise in topics relating to juvenile justice and/or juvenile or family law. May oversee the work of others as needed. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to practice and apply the following principles: Grasp broad overview of NCJFCJ and develop working knowledge of its programs and services Follow organizational and departmental policies, procedures, protocols, and systems Perform quality work, with or without direct supervision Interact professionally and respectfully with all staff, members of the organization, public and private officials, faculty, partners, suppliers, local communities, and the general public Work collaboratively and effectively with all members of the organization, whether as a team player, team leader, or individual contributor Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with managers, staff, and other organizations Meet professional and work obligations through efficient work habits by meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, and coordinating resources in an effective and timely manner Be self-motivated and highly responsive to individuals, staff, members, and the organization Demonstrate independent decision-making, problem-solving, creative thinking, and analytical skills Approach work with a positive attitude, sense of humor, and energy Willingness to continuously learn and be flexible Use discretion in managing sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information Be responsible stewards of the organization s resources The following generally describes the essential functions, minimum education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and to perform the responsibilities and duties of this position. Essential Functions Required Essential functions and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Design and implement all aspects of a research study or project Gather information on juvenile justice and/or juvenile or family law issues using a variety of sources including documents, online resources, and interviews Design and develop surveys and other data collection instruments and protocols Manage data collection activities including implementing surveys or conducting interviews Develop data coding/recoding specifications, instructions, and data documentation materials Organize quantitative and/or qualitative information Conduct professional site visits and field work Prepare information dissemination materials including written documents, infographics, websites, and presentations Communicate with outside researchers, funders, and juvenile justice and/or juvenile or family law professionals Contribute to preparation of funding proposals Respond to information or technical assistance requests and develop training and technical assistance materials Page 1 of 3 HR2014/REV

4 JOB DESCRIPTION Translate current research to practice for juvenile justice and/or juvenile or family law professionals Assist juvenile justice and/or juvenile or familylaw professionals in adopting evidence-based and best practices through training, technical assistance, and strategic planning Assess efficacy of training and technical assistance Give presentations and represent the organization at conferences and training sessions Keep abreast of and review current research in the field Other duties as assigned* Education and Work Experience Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ( KSAs ) Graduate degree from an accredited university in behavioral science, social science, law, or similar areas of study Advanced degree preferred Three years experience conducting research, either as part of course work, independent study, or employment within the juvenile justice, social science, or human service field, or Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience in a relevant field Experience working in a non-profit or grant-funded environment preferred Working understanding of juvenile justice and child protection systems, intervention, and prevention programming Strong interest in and knowledge of social science or legal research and its application in juvenile justice and/or juvenile or family law Ability to translate research information to practice professionals Knowledge of program development practices and evidence-based program standards Knowledge of human subjects privacy protections and data confidentiality strategies Strong PC-based computer skills and proficiency utilizing various software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet search engines and browsers, database management systems, and standard statistical analysis packages (SPSS) Ability to manage files and maintain records in compliance with recordkeeping policies Strong, effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with emphasis on preparation of reports, articles, briefs, and public presentations Ability to plan and carry work through to completion with accuracy and with strong emphasis on attention to detail Ability to comfortably manage multiple tasks and projects utilizing time management and organization skills Knowledge of proper telephone and practices and etiquette If Directly Supervising Other Staff Supervisory Responsibilities and Requirements Supervision of professional and support staff assigned to department or program requires, but is not limited to: Effective leadership, team building, and staff motivation skills Familiarity with all NCJFCJ policies Basic knowledge or familiarity with federal and state employment law and regulations Supervisory responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Hire new staff utilizing organization s talent acquisition guidelines (TAG) Orient and train new staff Assign, delegate, and oversee work duties Evaluate performance through continuous feedback and utilizing performance management system Address performance problems through corrective action and disciplinary process Review and approve time records and leave requests in compliance with NCJFCJ timekeeping policies and practices Help staff address and resolve concerns or complaints Provide development activities to staff through mentoring, motivation, coaching, and counseling Establish and maintain effective team through team building activities Page 2 of 3

5 JOB DESCRIPTION Physical Demands Work Environment Extended periods of sitting Extended use of desktop/laptop computer and peripheral equipment Read and analyze fine print for extended periods Occasional stooping, standing, carrying Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Fast-paced, high-pressure, professional office environment Evening, weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required Frequent travel, locally and nationally, is required *The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the position, but are not necessarily a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified. As such, responsibilities, duties, and required skills may be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the business needs of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract or implied contract for employment. Page 3 of 3