Qualitative Research Associate

Equal Opportunity Employer

The mission of the Health Federation of Philadelphia is to promote community health by advancing access to high-quality, integrated, comprehensive health and human services. We believe in and are firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status.  This commitment applies to all aspects of the Health Federation of Philadelphia’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.

JOB SUMMARY

The Qualitative Research Associate will join the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Division of Reproductive, Adolescent and Child Health (ReACH). The Research Associate will inform the development and evaluation of ReACH programmatic and policy initiatives, using qualitative research methods, and support data collection for the Philadelphia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (Philly PRAMS). This position will work closely with the Lead Qualitative Researcher & the Data and Evaluation team to support data collection, data analysis, and reporting for the division’s initiatives focused on improving reproductive, child and adolescent health in Philadelphia. Examples of initiatives the Qualitative Research Associate will support include PDPH Healthy Start Doula Support Program and Philadelphia Maternal and Infant Community Action Network (CAN).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

       Responsibilities/Duties

Qualitative Research:

  • Organize, and maintain project repositories and documentation.
  • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize evidence to identify best practices, standards, and guidelines for research design and related activities.
  • Support the development of program evaluation plans and research proposals.
  • Assist in designing and creating research and data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview and focus group guides, information sheets, etc.).
  • Support participant recruitment efforts and obtain informed consent in accordance with study protocols.
  • Conduct qualitative data collection activities, including but not limited to interviews and focus groups, both online and in person.
  • Analyze qualitative data using approved qualitative analysis software, such as NVivo.
  • Summarize findings and contribute to project reports, presentations, and other deliverables.
  • Coordinate logistics and manage preparations for project-related meetings, events, and conferences.
  • Assist with grant development and submission, including outreach to internal and external partners to gather required materials.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research products such as abstracts, presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
  • Prepare and submit materials to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Philly PRAMS:

  • Prepare recruitment materials and assist in mailing operations to sampled participants in collaboration with Data Quality & Integrity Specialist
  • Utilize various sources to locate telephone numbers for telephone follow-up interviews
  • Schedule and conduct telephone interviews and keep accurate records of outreach attempts
  • Enter completed questionnaires in an online database in a timely manner
  • Ensure the quality of PRAMS data through frequent review of online database
  • Assist in maintaining inventory and supplies for PRAMS
  • Assist ReACH Epidemiologist with disbursement of incentives
  • Participate in call with other PRAMS sites
  • Attend relevant training and workshops including but not limited to Human Subjects Training and trauma-informed care
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of PRAMS recruitment materials and data
  • This role may also take on other qualitative tasks as needed.

Education:   A master’s degree in public health, public policy, sociology or related field from an accredited institution is required.

Skills/Experience:

  • Prior experience involving qualitative research activities, including conducting and supporting interviews, focus groups and supporting participant recruitment.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage project timeline with a high degree of organizational skills.
  • Experience contributing to presentations and reports.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Strong preference for familiarity with REDCap and ability to build REDCap projects.
  • Preference for experience involving qualitative data analysis software e.g. NVivo.
  • Comfortable engaging with community members, program participants and diverse populations.
  • Spanish proficiency is desirable

Work Environment:  Standard office setting with extended periods at workstation and periodic use of office equipment.Position Type and Work Schedule:  Full-time position, in-office (1101 Market Street, Philadelphia), typical hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Travel:  Local travel to multiple sites and community meetings, upon request.Salary and Benefits:  The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Our employees are our most valuable resource, so we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include: 

  • Medical with vision benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Life, AD&D and long-term care insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance\
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday

Eligibility and participation is handled consistent with the plan documents and HFP policy. 

DISCLAIMER

The Health Federation reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the Company desires. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, responsibilities and/or skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied, or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.