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Job Posting Forum
 | Research Specialist I |  | | | | | Institution/Organization: | Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice | | Job Location: | Texas, U.S.A. | | Contact Person: | Wynde Jones | | Date Posted: | February 23rd, 2000 | | Closing Date: | February 28th, 2000 | | | | |  |  | |
*The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Position Vacancy*
Job Posting No: 100030CJ
Payroll Title: Research Specialist I
Salary: GR. B07 ($2,436.00/Month)
Vacancy Location: Community Justice Assistance Division / Austin, TX
*Longevity pay
*Regular service retirement
*No housing
*Telephonic interviews will not be accepted
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
The Research and Evaluation Unit of the Community Justice Assistance Division is responsible for collecting and processing monthly, quarterly and annual data from probation departments in Texas. This includes monthly counts of the number of felons and misdemeanants newly placed under
supervision, the number currently on supervision, the number under different kinds of supervision, the number of absconders, of supervision terminations by type, of probation revocations by type and reason, and of individuals served in special programs, like local boot camps. Annually, the Research and Evaluation Unit collects program output data from each program funded by the Division. Biennially, the unit collects aggregate sample data on population characteristics, such as age, gender, level of education, etc. of offenders under supervision in each county.
The Research Specialist Is primary function is to ensure data quality and to report statistical information. Some specific functions to be performed by the Research Specialist I position are to:
1. define, implement and maintain quality controls on all data collection activities -- this includes the screening and error resolution of data;
2. compile, analyze, and report statistical criminal justice data;
3. prepare data for presentation in graphic, tabular or written form;
4. assist in the development of data collection instruments and coding instructions; and
5. assist in the planning and implementation of performance monitoring and program evaluation projects.
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB SUMMARY
Performs routine work related to community corrections and the criminal justice system. Work involves detailed and specialized research projects pertaining to fiscal, administrative and program functions. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
*Searches and reviews literature to develop new research proposals.
*Conducts data gathering interviews; designs and modifies data collection instruments and coding instructions.
*Collects, verifies, corrects, compiles, analyzes and prepares data for presentation in graphic, tabular, or composition form.
*Consults with research professionals, administrators, and data processing staff to define problems, types of data processed, analyses, and required reports; and confers with various groups on the results of experiments or studies.
*Participates in planning, designing, developing, and conducting research projects; and assists in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.
*Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
*Education, Experience and Training*
Bachelors degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Major course work in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Public Administration, Math, Science, or a related analytical field preferred. Each additional year of experience as described below in excess of the required two years may be substituted for thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis.
Two years full-time, wage-earning research or data collection experience. Eighteen semester hours of graduate study from an accredited college or university recognized by CHEA in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Public Administration, Math, Science, or a related analytical field may be substituted for one year of experience on a year-for-year basis for a maximum substitution of two years.
Experience in the operation of word processing, statistical, database, spreadsheet or graphics software programs.
Experience in the use of SPSS, SAS, Access, Paradox, or Excel preferred.
*Knowledge and Skills*
Knowledge of research methods, principles, and philosophies.
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.
Knowledge of standard and appropriate research sources.
Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures preferred, but not required
Skill to conduct searches and evaluations of large amounts of information.
Skill to prepare concise reports and in technical writing.
Skill to develop and assess research and evaluation plans.
Skill in the operation of computers and related equipment in a stand-alone or local area network environment.
Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public.
Skill in problem-solving techniques.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must submit a State of Texas Application for Employment by 02/28/2000 at 5:00 pm to:
Cathy Blanchard
Regional Human Resources Office, TDCJ
8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 260
Austin, TX 78757
A complete job description and all application forms may be obtained at the above address or by calling (512) 374-0900. Application forms can also be downloaded from http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/hr/hr-home.htm.
*Equal Opportunity Employer
*Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment.*
*Applicants who are retirees from state employment through ERS are required to write ERS Retiree at the top of the application form.*
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