PIAAC-Cycle 2 MS - Field Interviewer

Job Description

Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to work as Field Interviewers for an important study, the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies-Cycle 2 Main Study (PIAAC-Cycle 2 MS).

The hourly rate for this position is dependent on geographic location. The hourly rate for this location is $18.65. This position qualifies for an additional $2.00 premium for hours worked during data collection. Successful interviewers are eligible for a production bonus program.

PIAAC is a cyclical, large-scale study of adult skills and life experiences focusing on education and employment. Survey participants are asked questions about their educational background and work history, the skills they use on the job and at home, their civic engagement, and their sense of their health and well-being. In addition, participants complete an assessment that is designed to compare a broad range of adult skills, from simple reading to complex problem-solving skills.

The primary role of the PIAAC Field Interviewer will be to screen pre-selected households and conduct in-person interviews with selected respondents. Interviewers are responsible for contacting these households in person to gain cooperation, scheduling appointments, and conducting interviews using a Westat-provided tablet computer. Interviewers report regularly to a Field Supervisor, complete and submit administrative paperwork, and need to comply with data security and confidentiality requirements.

Westat has a long-standing policy to protect the health of our staff and the general public. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we continue to require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment or screening activities may be required, depending upon the specific study's 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 a U.S. citizen;
• Be available to complete a virtual training program and additional hard-copy materials, from March 28 through April 2, 2023;
• Be available to attend mandatory in-person training, travel on Monday, April 3, with training lasting from Tuesday, April 4, through Thursday, April 6, and travel home on April 6 or 7.

Minimum Requirements

• Reside in the geographic location determined by the project.
• Be available to work during the data collection period of April through June 2023.
• Be available to work 24+ hours per week, at least 6 hours per day, including evenings and weekends, when work is available.
• Be willing to travel locally within the county or neighboring counties for project work.
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment and materials,
  • Walk several blocks, and
  • Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment and materials.
• Have regular and reliable access to a secure high-speed internet connection.
• Have regular and reliable access to an insured, reliable vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed at the prevailing GSA rate.
• Have a valid (current) driver's license that is not under suspension.
• Have work experience in jobs requiring public contact such as sales, teaching, real estate, or social work.

Preferred Criteria

• Have in-person interviewing experience on household studies;
• Be comfortable working in unfamiliar locations and knocking on doors;
• Have strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Have excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use the keyboard and email);
• Be comfortable using a smartphone to keep track of time, enter data, and navigate to your assigned areas;
• Have the ability to conduct in-depth interviews with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic strata in respondents' homes;
• Be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with respondents;
• Be able to establish and maintain a good rapport with study respondents;
• Be self-motivated, organized, detail oriented, and able to convey the importance of the study to respondents;
• Display a professional appearance and demeanor;
• Work consistently in an organized manner;
• Be flexible in working assigned cases;
• Work well independently, including setting your schedule with little direct supervision;
• Be responsive to corrective feedback; and
• Be able to read maps and use apps to navigate to the households in the assignment.

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.

This is a part-time variable hour, non-exempt position 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.