Job Description

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout the New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation in an effort to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

The Research Associate, under direction and supervision by the Senior Director for Research & Assessment, is responsible for designing and executing research projects that are necessary to monitor and evaluate various operational and policy initiatives launched by DOP. These initiatives fall into a broad range of areas, including but not limited to risk-needs assessment, graduated responses, community engagement, and structured decision-making; and cut across the agency’s three core services in both juvenile and adult operations. Among the specific duties associated with this position are the following:

• Developing research plans for monitoring and evaluating DOP initiatives, programs, and policies.

• Overseeing data collection and analysis efforts related to these projects, including survey administration.

• Building and managing research databases that will help the agency assess both client outcomes and its own performance in serving clients.

• Conducting statistical analysis of administrative data in SPSS.

• Supervising staff analysts assigned to research projects.

• Working with the Senior Director for Research & Assessment to improve and expand current systems for tracking agency data and measuring success.

• Coordinating and collaborating with other city criminal justice agencies in research, policy, and data-sharing initiatives.

• Preparing reports and presentations on research findings.

• Assisting the Senior Director for Research & Assessment in reviewing Memoranda of Understanding.

Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or

2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or

3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:

Probationary Period

Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.