Summary

The Prevention Research Collaborative at the University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks a motivated Research Assistants to join our team of data collectors in Flint, Michigan. The Prevention Research Collaborative is a large research team that includes the BJA-funded National Center for School Safety (NCSS), the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center, CDC-funded Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, and other affiliated projects. Research Assistants will participate in the evaluation of the core research project for the Prevention Research Center of Michigan (PRC/MI): Health Promotion Through Environmental Design (HPTED). This position will be based in Flint Michigan, You will work as part of a data collection team conducting door to door surveys and parcel assessments. The survey asks questions about how changes to the environmental impact health and wellbeing. Parcel assessments rates items on a property for maintenance and upkeep. This is a great position for members of the Flint community as well as students who would like to gain research experience.

About the Prevention Research Center of Michigan

The mission PRC/MI is to create and foster knowledge resulting in more effective public health programs and policies. The Center conducts community-based prevention research to improve health and prevent disease, especially focused on populations with a disproportionate share of poor health outcomes. We have developed strong and committed partnerships among community-based organizations, health departments, health advocacy groups, health service providers, and academic institutions. Core research projects are located in the city of Flint and Genesee County Michigan. Other projects are conducted with state and local partner organizations to improve health and prevent disease.

About the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education

This position will be based in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Driven by a shared passion for affecting lasting change, the faculty, students and staff of HBHE work in the pursuit of an equitable, healthy future for all. Turning theory and research into actionable practice, we develop interventions and innovations that promote health, prevent disease, empower people to manage chronic illness and disabilities, and facilitate collective action for social change. Together, our academic community transforms the theoretical into actionable, the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.

What You'll Do

• Recruiting residents to complete a short survey
• Preparing data collection materials
• Entering and managing data
• Literature drops to households
• Conduct exterior property and vacant land assessments
• Use handheld computers
• Other duties as required

Skills You Have

• High School education or equivalent (e.g., GRE completion).
• Good communication skills, reliability, and ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work well in pairs/teams.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings with minimal supervision.
• Must have a reliable vehicle for entire shift. You will work with a partner. There will be reimbursement for mileage.
• Candidates working outdoors must be able to traverse streets, sidewalks, broken sidewalks, and steps to residential entrances up to eight miles per day.

Desired Qualifications*

• Familiarity with the Flint Community
• Comfortable in different environments
• Previous work or volunteering in community advocacy
• Familiarity with community driven projects
• Ability to read and understand fractions and percentages

Work Schedule

All positions are temporary and require a commitment starting in April/May 2023 through completion (likely October 31, 2023).

Work hours will likely occur between 7am through 8pm, depending on the needs of the project. Most work days will be Monday through Friday. Some work shifts will occur on Saturdays and Sundays. Most work hours will occur outdoors and shifts may be canceled in poor weather (rain, extreme heat or cold).

Work Locations

This position is located in Flint, Michigan and will be part of the University of Michigan’s study evaluating the Health Promotion Through Environmental Design (HPTED) Project.

Additional Information

The salary will be $15- $20 per hour depending on experience.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.