Visiting EmPwR Project Specialist, School of Social Work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Visiting EmPwR Project Specialist
Children and Family Research Center
School of Social Work
Located in Urbana, IL
The Children and Family Research Center (CFRC) was established in 1996 in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to identify and monitor child welfare service outcomes, conduct program evaluations of key interventions and complete research on critical issues that impact the success of these efforts. The CFRC conducts child welfare program evaluations and promotes evidence‐based practices that advance the public mission of ensuring the safety, permanence, and well‐being of children in or at risk of substitute care. The CFRC also conducts research in related fields of research such as sexual assault, children's mental health services, implementation science, and predictive analytics. Contributes to the intellectual and scientific development of research studies including the development of proposals, study design, and methods. Collaborates with other researchers to conduct data collection and analysis and assists in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and academic articles.
Associate Professor and CFRC Faculty Director William Schneider seeks a Visiting Project Specialist for a multi-year study in Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, a large private service organization, and faculty at the schools of social work at the University of Connecticut, and Rutgers University. The visiting project specialist will be appointed for a 12-month term, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The candidate will be directly supervised by William Schneider and Project Director Alexis Krones.
Job Summary
Serve as a research professional responsible for participant-facing and applied research activities for the Empower Parenting with Resources (EmPwR) study. EmPwR is a mixed-methods research initiative examining unconditional cash assistance for families involved in Illinois Intact Family Services. Exercises independent judgment in managing research workflows, implementation of human subjects protocols, and contributing to data-driven research products. Applies professional expertise in research implementation, participant engagement, and analysis to ensure the integrity, compliance, and quality of a large-scale research study.Duties & Responsibilities
Research Coordination and Participant Engagement
Serve as the primary professional interface between research participants and the study, applying judgment to respond to participant needs, address barriers to participation, and addressing retention efforts.
Independently implement IRB-approved human subjects research protocols, including conducting informed consent processes and ensuring participant understanding of study procedures and protections.
Execute participant-facing research activities, including interviews and survey administration, in accordance with approved methodologies.
Monitor participant engagement and data collection progress and determine appropriate follow-up actions consistent with study protocols.
Maintain accurate participant records and documentation in accordance with confidentiality and data security requirements.
Research Operations & Management
Manage research operations related to study execution, including maintaining research records, documentation systems, and compliance materials.
Oversee research workflows to ensure timely execution of study activities and adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements.
Exercise professional responsibility for IRB regulatory compliance, including interpreting approved protocols, preparing regulatory submissions and amendments, and maintaining study documentation in accordance with institutional and federal requirements.
Develop and maintain research materials used for participant engagement and study implementation.
Research Implementation, Data Preparation, and Knowledge Production
Prepare, clean, and manage quantitative and qualitative research data for analysis and interpretation.
Identify emerging patterns, data quality concerns, and implementation challenges and communicate observations to the research team.
Contribute to research products, including presentations, briefs, and reports through data synthesis and interpretation.
Lead analytic discussions related to study design, implementation challenges, and preliminary findings.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Communications, Psychology, Human Development, Public Health, or another related social or behavioral science field completed by the start date of the position. Experience engaging with individuals from varied socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds in professional settings, especially in participant or client-facing communication. Demonstrated ability to manage communication, scheduling, and logistics in an organized and reliable manner.
Preferred Qualifications
Spanish language proficiency. Experience working with human subjects research, surveys, or participant-based studies. Familiarity with basic data tracking systems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong communication skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks, track deadlines, and follow established procedures. Ability to work independently while taking direction and prioritizing tasks under supervision.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time visiting academic professional, appointed on a 12-month basis. This position may become permanent at a later date. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary for this position is $53,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 13, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three professional references. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1035090
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu