Research Associate I

Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. (JSS) seeks candidates for open positions as Research Associate I. The person(s) would work on research and evaluation projects in South Florida.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Research Associate I is responsible for a wide variety of tasks related to research and evaluation projects, including planning and assisting with data collection; conducting data analysis; and writing, presenting and disseminating research results in a user-friendly, policy-oriented manner. Ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, social services and policy makers on critical criminal justice, social services and technology issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and assist the project director and research team of JSS staff and consultants in planning, scheduling and implementing the research methodologies, strategies, tasks and procedures of specified research and evaluation projects and research partner collaborations.
• Coordinate day-to-day activities of research projects including reviewing, analyzing and summarizing literature, creating presentations and briefing papers and materials, preparing for institutional review boards, and conducting directed and self-initiated intermediate research analyses.
• Work collaboratively in office and field setting with all levels of law enforcement, criminal justice, social services and technology professionals to identify issues and problems and use data and analysis tools to improve understanding and develop strategies and solutions to improve operations and achieve desired outcomes.
• Incorporate use of technology, including software and hardware, to maximize efficiency, effectiveness and performance of research, evaluation and consulting tasks.
• Coordinate day-to-day administrative tasks of research projects including preparing drafts of required programmatic and fiscal reporting, assisting with facilitating consultant team member interactions and identifying potential resources to support projects.
• Prepare interim and final reports of projects for publication in technical, field and mass market journals, for presentation to agency requesting project, or for use in further applied or theoretical research
• Participate in fact-finding, marketing and dissemination efforts at meetings, workshops and conferences, as a representative of JSS.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Five years of progressive experience with similar work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Statistics, or Public Policy or Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Statistics, or Public Policy and two years of similar work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Must be highly organized, analytical, accurate and detail oriented.
• Must have knowledge of the theory and practice of criminal justice and social science policies.
• Must have knowledge of a wide variety of research methodologies and techniques; statistical analysis; quantitative and qualitative methods; and analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Must have expert knowledge of computer software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, SPSS or SAS, and common database language.
• Must have knowledge of Relational Databases/Electronic Data Manipulation and ability to interpret crime statistics
• Conducting Temporal and Spatial Analyses – Understand and identify the use of basic GIS analytic tools; Understand the concepts and applications of geo-coding and geographic data projections
• Must have knowledge of standard reference/information sources, library skills and electronic search logic skills; must be able to read, interpret and assess technical and trade documents, and journals, including peer reviewed articles, research reports and data reports.
• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines; must be able to analyze and prioritize assignments; also must judge the amount of time to spend for the expected outcome, according to the importance of a project and the type of information needed.
• Must be able to work independently, as well as with a team.
• The ability to contribute meaningful ideas and work productively with other research team members as well as on independent assignments.
• The ability to maintain confidential information in an appropriate manner is essential, as is an ability to use judgment in the wording and inclusion of pertinent and sensitive information.
• Knowledge and use of intelligence analytical software a significant advantage.
• Have an intellectually curious mind

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Work is normally performed in an interior/office or workshop environment.
• Periodic travel is required.
• Work hours may vary.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

No calls please.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and three references (name, email, and phone number) to Shellie Solomon.

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)