Field Data Collector

NORC at the University of Chicago • McAllen, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is hiring Field Data Collectors (Field Interviewers) to support the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national study of older adults’ health, well-being, relationships, memory, and aging experiences. Field Data Collectors meet individually with participants, conduct research interviews and assessments, and collect health and cognitive data that contribute to research on aging and quality of life.

The work involves in-person visits with older adults, including visits at respondents’ homes, workplaces, or other suitable public locations. Collectors build rapport, schedule and document visits using company technology, travel within an assigned territory, and follow study protocols for confidentiality, data quality, and research integrity. After in-person training, they also administer health-related measurements and collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood. This is an intermittent position with a flexible part-time schedule of 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. The position is suited to people who can work independently, organize their own schedules, and engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

• Available to work 20 to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
• Able to work independently, organize work, and manage a personal schedule.
• Comfortable visiting older adults in their homes, including making unannounced outreach visits.
• Comfortable making unsolicited contacts by phone and in person and conducting interviews in respondents’ homes, workplaces, or other appropriate public locations.
• Willing to collect biological specimens, including saliva and blood.
• Comfortable handling specialized study equipment after completing in-person training.
• Able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 10 pounds and walk up and down stairs as needed.
• Comfortable using a company-provided laptop, tablet, basic medical equipment, and case-management software applications.
• Must reside within 75 miles of the location listed in the job posting.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation; the posting notes this requirement may be removed in non-driving locations.
• Must provide evidence of identity and authorization to work in the United States and be eligible to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home research visits, interviews, assessments, and data collection with study participants.
• Build positive relationships with older adults to encourage participation and engagement.
• Gain respondent cooperation through persuasive, appropriately assertive communication, while maintaining neutral and objective communication.
• Make unsolicited contact by phone and in person, including outreach visits, to complete screeners and in-depth interviews.
• Schedule, manage, and document participant visits using company technology.
• Travel within the assigned territory and conduct interviews at homes, workplaces, or other appropriate public locations.
• Administer cognitive, physical, and health assessments in accordance with study protocols and training requirements.
• Collect health-related measurements and biological specimens, including saliva and blood, after completing in-person training.
• Maintain accurate documentation and protect participant privacy and confidentiality while upholding data-quality standards.
• Follow research protocols and established quality standards.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid orientation and training
• Free counseling and referrals through NORC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee discount programs, including travel and electronics discounts
• Additional bilingual pay of $1.00 per hour worked after certification is completed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED