Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to collect data for an important study, the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) Sleep Study, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

HANDLS Sleep Study Field Coordinators will be responsible for participant recruitment and follow-up, as well as providing support and coordination to the entire field effort. They will be responsible for managing, reporting, and following up on recruitment assignments, including organizing and tracking recruitment contact attempts. They will also coordinate with the study manager concerning troubleshooting and other support needed by the field team (interviewers, phlebotomist, and field room manager) with participant contact and follow-up, both remotely and in person. Finally, they will serve as a backup field interviewer, able to conduct the consent and screening contact, as well as the contact to introduce and set up the study equipment; the Zoom interview and cognitive tests; and all associated check-in and reminder contacts.

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment, regular testing for COVID-19, or other screening activities may be required. Due to study protocols, client requirements, the sample population, and public health regulations, field employees hired on the HANDLS Sleep Study must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire, and they must follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Be available to attend a mandatory home-based training, Monday, April 17, 2023–Friday, April 21, 2023.
• Be available to attend mandatory Web-based group training, Monday, April 24, 2023 – Friday, April 28, 2023.
• Be available to complete in-person observation with investigators and/or home office staff before starting any data collection activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Reside in the geographic work area defined by project.
• Have strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Have strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Have at least 2 years of previous field interviewer experience.
• Be available to work during the data collection period of April 17, 2023, through July 31, 2024.
• Be available to work up to 25-30 hours per week (weekdays, evenings, and weekends) when work is available.
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment and materials;
  • Be able to sit for extended periods of time; and
  • Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment.
• Have regular and reliable access to a secure high-speed internet connection.
• Have regular and reliable access to an insured vehicle.
• Have a valid (current) driver’s license that is not under suspension.
• Have previous experience working with the public in jobs such as survey or marketing research interviewing, customer service, community outreach, teaching, or social work.
• Have strong computer and writing skills including experience with email, Excel, and Word.

Preferred Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior experience as a field recruiter, field interviewer, or field supervisor on a Westat field study.
• Previous recruiting experience.
• Excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use a keyboard and touchscreen, send/receive email).
• Comfortable using a laptop computer and establishing Wi-Fi connections.
• Experience using internet videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• The ability to conduct in-depth interviews with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Able to convey the importance of the study to participants, gain their cooperation, and maintain a good rapport during the entire data collection process.
• Experience working in diverse communities in Baltimore.
• Experience with community-engaged research.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history.

The hourly rate for this position is $24.00.

This is a part-time variable hour, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance. All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.

Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you.

Westat is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.