APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

The Research Associate I will work on a federally funded grant that aims to support service expansion and capacity building of behavioral health personnel in evidence-based practices serving youth and young adults in under-resourced Southeast Los Angeles County. The Research Associate I will be responsible for many project and data management aspects, including overseeing the implementation and maintenance of all evaluation-related activities according to the proposed work plan and timeline, preparing reports that summarize project-related data, working with project consultants (e.g. working with technology consultant to ensure the development of the web-based evaluation system for the project). The Research Associate I will also work with the project team to ensure the continuous quality plan is implemented specifically to each project goal/objective. The ideal candidate is resourceful, organized, detail-oriented, and sensitive to confidential information. The Research Associate I will be responsible for implementing evidence-based services associated with Project TREE objectives around vaping, anger management, and caregiver education/support with at-risk youth while working with partnered sites. This position reports to the Project Director/Principal Investigator. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued grant funding. 

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or closely related field preferred. 

Required Experience

• One to two years of experience in the substance use/mental health field.
• One to two years of experience working on a social science research team.
• The candidate must possess two years of experience working with youth in group and/or individual settings. Demonstrated knowledge of working with at-risk youth.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Oversee administrative planning and coordination of Project TREE services and data collection to ensure project objectives (and related activities) are successfully implemented according to grant work-plan and timeline.
• Engage in training related to evidence-based practices of Project TREE.
• Implement Project TREE services (screening and intervention groups) with at-risk youth and caregivers.
• Conduct outreach in the surrounding community with schools and other agencies that serve target at-risk youth in need of Project TREE services.
• Collaborate with the project evaluation team on implementing data collection protocol, including providing youth-related data for project analysis and reporting.
• Conduct ongoing outreach with collaborating schools and community agencies for the expansion of Project TREE activities and recruitment.
• Participate in regular team project meetings, including monitoring of Project TREE Implementation (services and data collection).
• Provide accurate and timely documentation based on the agency’s documentation policy. In addition, maintain accurate and timely documentation of all job-related activities.
• Great work ethic demonstrated by reliability, punctuality, professionalism, diligence, and strong follow-up skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with a proven track record for strategic planning and execution and attention to detail.
• Attend all assigned community meetings as assigned by the Prevention Navigator. 
• Ability to succeed independently within a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable work environment.
• Competency in working with the various ethnic/cultural groups in the target area/community.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written form as well as verbally.
• Adhere to and promote APU’s mission and values. Acts as a role model to others, exhibiting a high degree of professionalism.
• Must be willing to commute to various settings, including but not limited to school campuses, agency offices and county offices, etc.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with the project team, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the project team, site staff and liaisons, and other project stakeholders.
• Organizational skills for assisting with project material (meeting agendas, minutes).                       
• Skill in conducting literature reviews and writing up reports.
• Skill in data entry and analysis, including developing tables and figures.
• Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Apps for presentations, reports, and conferences.
• Willingness to work occasional evening hours.               
• Ability to manage details and follow through. 
• Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly desired.

Mental Demands

• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
• Ability to integrate Christian values in all aspects.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Ability to collaborate with other faculty and staff and maintain collegial relations. 
• Self-starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.

Physical Demands

• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at a computer keyboard.  
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone for community outreach. 
• Partner site visits will require driving to various locations in San Gabriel Valley.
• Meetings may require walking and driving to various University locations. 
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach, and lift 20 lbs. 

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.
• Sitting for long periods of time.

Environment

• Pleasant office setting, a comfortable temperature.

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps (e.g., Google Drive), Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe, and Qualtrics, SPSS, JMP.

Compensation

• Grade 8: $21.44 to $24.66 is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package. 

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.