Job Title: Research Officer (Methodology)

SENSE

Job Description

Job title: Research Officer (Methodology)

Information, Advice & Research Directorate

Location: London

Salary: Sense pay points 37 to 39

Hours: Full-time – 37.5 hours

Responsible to: Head of Research

1.0 Description of Role

1.1  The Research Officer (Methodology) is responsible for

·  Collating and disseminating information about research which can be used to inform the further development of the research strategy and of Sense generally

·  Designing evaluations of Sense practice and analysing the data generated by such evaluations in order to identify areas for growth and innovation in the services that Sense offers

·  Supporting practitioners to engage in data collection in the context of Theory of Change models which will allow them to create an evidence base for the impact of Sense practice

1.2 S/he will do this by:

·  Ensuring deafblind people, their families and the staff of Sense can access accurate, relevant research evidence that benefits deafblind people themselves or enhances the understanding of those who support them personally or professional

·  Collaborating with Sense staff within the context of their own roles on the validity and value of their research initiatives

·  Providing ongoing support to monitor the progress and outcomes of projects conducted in the applied setting to create an evidence base for Sense services

·  Supporting Sense practice based staff to share the outcome of their research activities through dissemination at training events in order to enhance best practice across the organisation

2.0  Specific Responsibilities

Design research activity that evaluates the impact and value of Sense interventions and practice

To liaise with other teams within Sense to support others to evaluate the impact of the services they deliver through the collation of robust data

To analyse the data generated by practitioners within Sense using statistical methods where applicable

To disseminate the outcomes of Sense research to inform the potential for innovation and furture development

To contribute to the organisation’s research strategy by establishing and managing a central database of relevant research findings that may inform future research activities and/or applications for research funding

To evaluate research publications that focus on deafblindness and ensure that significant findings are shared with others in an accessible format.

To be the Sense lead on research projects commissioned by third parties and to manage the relationship between the organisation and the external research group

To raise awareness of Sense and deafblindness by attending and contributing to internal and external meetings and events; ensuring that the organisation is represented at external meetings in a professional manner

Developing own knowledge base and expertise in relation to conducting valid research related to all aspects of deafblindness with a particular focus on the applied setting

General Responsibilities

To support the implementation of Sense’s strategic, corporate and operational goals

To contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of the research strategy

To contribute to the planning, implementation and monitoring of internal research activities

To adhere to corporate and group policies and guidelines covering all aspects of the work

Any other duties commensurate with the nature and grade of this post

Person Specification

Research Officer

Education and Training
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Educated to Masters level in Research Methods or an MSc in Social Science with significant emphasis on Research Methods / Masters thesis related to disability
Proven skills in research methods and statistics; completion of successful research project at postgraduate level: commitment to supporting practice based research in an applied context / Knowledge and experience of the applied research context
Achievements and Experience
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Proven ability to design and undertake disability related research projects to be undertaken by practitioners / Knowledge or experience of issues connected with deafblindness and the experiences of deafblind people and their families.
Evidence of supporting new researchers to achieve robust data collection related to practice based observations / Experience of supervising research projects
Experience of analysis of practice based data / Evidence of submission to peer reviewed journals
Experience of demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the issues facing disabled people in the context of support services / Awareness of the issues and challenges facing deafblind people and their families
Skills & Abilities
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build constructive and cooperative relationships with Sense stakeholders – deafblind people, families, and Sense colleagues – often at a distance
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A commitment to using research to establish an evidence base for practice within the context of Sense’s strategic vision and values.
Evidence of managing deadlines efficiently
Willingness to travel
Computer literate and able to use MS Office and SPSS or similar package for quantitative analysis
Experience of using qualitative research packages such as NVivo
Evidence of an organised, meticulous approach to work.

Notes:

1.0  The post will require national travel on an occasional basis.

2.0  The post may require international travel on an occasional basis for attendance at conferences and academic meetings