Research Analyst

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Mid Level
                                          CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
                                           ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT

                                       Job Title:                    Research Analyst
                                        Division:                     Administration
                                        Grade:                         18
                                       Reports To:                 Director of Program Evaluation and Research
                                        Salary:                          $65,586

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Work with the Director of Program Evaluation and Research to establish research and evaluation priorities and to generate proposals for these projects.
  2. Produce regular management reports for Department leadership to monitor operations, trends, and implementation of policies.
  3. Review department programs to understand program goals and objectives, theories of change, and fidelity to best practices/EBPs.
  4. Conduct evaluations of department programs to measure outcomes and establish effectiveness at achieving desired goals and objectives.
  5. Implement protocols to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support reporting requirements, contractual/grant-funded programs, and research projects.
  6. Draft reports describing the findings and implications of departmental research, including recommendations for improving program quality, efficiency, and adherence to best practices/EBPs.
  7. Work with the Director of Program Evaluation and Research and other executive staff to develop and implement an annual report of department activities, outputs, and outcomes.
  8. Conduct literature reviews, analyses of best practices/EBPs, and reviews of innovative programs that can potentially improve the department's operations.
  9. Identify grant opportunities and assist in the development of applications and implementation of awards.
  10. Assist administrative staff with policy/program development and quality assurance efforts.
  11. Present to internal and external stakeholders regarding research progress, evaluation results, and research findings, including at professional conferences.
  12. Participate in special projects and committees as needed (e.g. Institutional Review Board, evaluation committees for department-issued RFPs, strategic planning activities, etc.)
Perform other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties of a Research Analyst.

QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Research or a related field.
    • One (1) year of recent experience in program evaluation and general research, including the design and implementation of evaluation protocols, advanced statistical analysis, database management, report writing, and oral presentations.
    • Establish residency in the State of Illinois within six months of hire.  
    • Preferred Qualifications
      • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, Data Analytics, or a related field.
      • Experience with database management and reporting protocols (e.g. SQL).
      • Experience with data visualization platforms (e.g. Tableau)
      • Experience in an applied criminal justice research environment.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

    • Practical and theoretical knowledge of sound research methods, designs, concepts, and principles for quantitative and qualitative research.
    • Strong quantitative analytical skills, including multivariate statistical techniques, advanced data manipulation, and proficiency with statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS or R).
    • Strong command of Microsoft Excel, including formulas and functions, visualizations, pivot tables, merging and matching data, and formatting/cleaning data
    • Ability to work with high-level policy makers, community corrections officials, external researchers, and other public sector stakeholders.
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate complex research findings in a straightforward and easy-to- understand manner to a diverse audience.
    • Understanding of effective programs, strategies, and evidence-based principles related to community corrections.
    • Strong organizational skills, including an ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple projects and tasks.
    • Ability to lead and manage individual and team projects.
    • Ability to think critically, strategically, and creatively, and to support arguments clearly and effectively.
    • Sensitivity to ethical considerations in research with human subjects, and an ability to act professionally and respectfully.
    • Ability to travel to various department offices within Cook County.
The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen.
  • Able to ambulate throughout the office.
  • Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk.
  • Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
  • Strength to lift materials or files weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Able to use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.
Benefits Package
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
  • Competitive Salaries
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
In addition to the application, qualified applicants should submit:
  • Cover Letter addressed to Chief Probation Officer Megan Volker, addressing work experience and the qualifications for this position.
  • Applicant’s current resume.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all screening and Appointing Authority approval. 

Application materials should be submitted on or before 5:00 PM on Friday April 18, 2025 via:   https://officeofthechiefjudgeadultprobationcookcounty.applytojob.com/apply.


THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

 

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

  1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
  2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.

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