Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Community Liaison will provide research support for the principal investigator(s) and serve as the primary bridge between the School-Based Treatment of Attention and Regulation (STAR) lab within the Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, and potential/established partner K-12 school districts within Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. This position will support the establishment and maintenance of the collaborative partnerships with local schools and infrastructure necessary to execute high-impact, school mental health research focused on understanding and effectively supporting the academic and social functioning of adolescents with ADHD and/or attention problems. This community liaison is central to our mission of bridging the "research-to-practice" gap, ensuring that behavioral interventions for youth with ADHD are not only scientifically sound, but also attuned to a real-world educational setting. This is a one-year, term position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic School Outreach and Relationship Management: Plan and carry out research activities for assigned projects. Identify and initiate contact with potential K-12 school partners in the Northeast Ohio region. Maintain regular, proactive communication with established partners through multiple channels (email, phone, in-person meetings). Represent the STAR Lab at school meetings and community events to build long-term rapport and ensure that research initiatives align with district-specific needs and cultures. (40%)
Project Logistics, Engagement Tracking, and On-Site Research Coordination: plan and carry out data collection, cleaning and preparation, and analysis. Maintain a comprehensive administrative system for tracking all school engagement activities, contact history, and partnership statuses. Provide logistical oversight for research teams involved with various school sites, ensuring all scheduling is optimized to minimize disruption to the school day while meeting various research project milestones. Directly facilitate on-site research activities, including participant recruitment and data collection. Under supervision of faculty supervisor, act as the primary troubleshooters and liaison between Case Western Reserve University research assistants and school personnel during active study windows to ensure adherence to both IRB standards and district policies. (29%)
Partnership Enrichment and Professional Development: coordinate and support delivery of information sessions and professional development presentations for school staff, community members, and parents. These sessions serve to translate research goals into practical value for the school community, fostering a reciprocal relationship that supports the schools¿ educational missions and the lab¿s needs. (20%)
Support the project work of the principal investigator through daily project activities and assigned tasks including literature reviews, report preparation and attending stakeholder meetings. Provide administrative support as assigned, including assisting with the preparation of community-facing newsletters or contributing to the "Community Engagement" sections of grant progress reports and other written projects. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Lab Integration: participate in STAR Lab staff to provide updates on community trends or feedback that may influence future study designs and contribute to lab activities. Perform other duties and responsibilities that support STAR Lab research as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with faculty supervisor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Regular contact with department-based administrative and grant support to exchange information.
University: Occasional contact with University Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) support personnel to exchange information.
External: Continuous contact with school staff and Northeast Ohio community members to exchange information.
Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate and graduate research assistants to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in community engagement required. 1 or more years of research experience (e.g., in an undergraduate lab, in a study coordinator role) preferred.
Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in a social science, or related field required. Valid driver's license required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Demonstrated ability to build rapport and maintain professional and respectful relationships with a variety of community members, including school administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and proactive communication skills, including the ability to maintain momentum in partnerships through consistent follow-up.
Proficiency in use and maintenance of organized tracking systems (e.g., Excel, REDCap, Google Sheets).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
Ability to work under general supervision and seek out effective solutions for project related issues. Ability to flexibly and effectively solve problems to resolve logistical conflicts while remaining professional.
Working knowledge of standard research references, including the World Wide Web.
Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment with team members and students. Works well with others and is a team player that is also highly motivated and with strong ability to be a self-starter.
Strong, meticulous attention to detail at all times in all aspects of work under all conditions.
Strong proof-reading skills.
Strong understanding of and adherence to confidentiality.
Must possess a high level of discretion, maturity, and motivation.
Possession of a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel to the CWRU campus and various school sites throughout Northeast Ohio.
Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols regarding research in K-12 settings.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, students, and community members face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical office environment. The employee will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard to type. May be required to attend evening and weekend meetings or events. Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for travel to partner schools throughout Northeast Ohio.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in community engagement required. 1 or more years of research experience (e.g., in an undergraduate lab, in a study coordinator role) preferred.
Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in a social science, or related field required. Valid driver's license required.
