Field Interviewer
Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to collect data for an important study conducted for the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).
Westat is working with BJS to redesign its National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), which is administered for BJS by the Census. The NCVS is the only national source of data on victimization not reported to law enforcement. As part of the redesign effort, Westat is conducting a field test comparing the current NCVS instrument with the redesigned version developed by BJS and Westat.
NSCS Interviewers will contact households and will conduct the initial screenings to determine participant eligibility, gain respondent cooperation, and administer interviews using computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) on a Westat-provided laptop computer.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be available to complete approximately 40 hours of comprehensive remote training prior to in-person training that includes web-based lessons, independent practice and coached training sessions; and
- Be available to attend a one-day, in-person training session at Westat in Rockville, MD, scheduled the week of October 21, 2019.
Minimum Requirements
- Live in the geographic work area defined by the project sample;
- Be available to work during the data collection period from October 28, 2019, through May 31, 2020;
- Be available to work a minimum of 25 hours per week, mostly evenings and weekends, when work is available;
- Be willing to travel locally for project work;
- Able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment and materials;
- Walk 2 blocks; and
- Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment.
- Regular and reliable access to telephone service with a long-distance calling feature, either landline or cellular;
- Regular and reliable access to a high-speed Internet connection;
- Regular and reliable access to an insured vehicle; and
- Valid (current) driver’s license that is not under suspension.
Preferred Criteria
- In-person interviewing experience;
- Experience cold-calling and working with the public;
- Able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English;
- Able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and socio-economic groups;
- Comfortable using a laptop computer and establishing Wi-Fi connections in various locations;
- Comfortable using a smartphone to keep track of time, enter data, and navigate;
- Able to establish and maintain a good rapport with study respondents;
- Able to convey the importance of the study to respondents;
- Comfortable working in unfamiliar locations, knocking on doors;
- Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented;
- Able to work independently; and
- Work successfully in a team environment with little direct supervision
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for this position, based on the specific position which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, or criminal records history.
This is a variable hour, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance. The pay rate for this position is dependent on geographic location and level of experience.
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 any other protected status under applicable law.