Research Program Specialist - School of Social Work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Research Program Specialist - School of Social Work
Center for Prevention Research and Development
Located in Champaign, IL
The Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work is a vibrant applied research center that has been in operation for 30 years. CPRD has a stable $3.5 million‐dollar annual portfolio of grants in youth substance use prevention, maternal and early childhood health, health care for vulnerable populations, juvenile justice reform, and teen pregnancy prevention. We work with meaningful data that has applications for the field and for impacting policy. CPRD invests in its staff with actions and policies to support professional development and ongoing learning and growth opportunities.
Job Summary
The Research Program Specialist (RPS) for the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD) within the University of Illinois' School of Social Work, works on a team that conducts evaluations of projects targeting community and school-based substance use prevention programs (SUPP) and provides technical assistance and training to SUPP providers throughout the state. Develops and implements an evaluation plan; manages data collection; has ongoing contact with SUPP providers to provide assistance and support; provides technical assistance and training to contractors and funders; and prepares reports to funding agencies. Activities include conducting annual reviews of SUPP evidence-based programs, providing technical assistance and training to SUPP providers, developing manuals, and collaborating on enhancements to the Prevention Hub, the data collection system used by the SUPP system.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop, Implement, and Manage Evaluation Plans
Develops and disseminates evaluation protocols and materials for evaluating evidence-based substance use prevention programs. Conducts annual reviews of evidence-based substance use prevention programs. Collaborates with team members to document and communicate results of annual reviews of evidence-based substance use prevention programs. Develops and monitor project timelines for meeting deliverables.
Data Collection Implementation, Review, and Communication
Uses Prevention Hub custom web application and spreadsheets to manage and track data collection among SUPP providers. Prepares reports and materials with the knowledge of the target audience’s needs. Reviews and interprets data analysis results and communicates data findings to a variety of target audiences. Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with funders and state-level administrators around the issues related to data collection, interpretation, and utilization of findings. Managing and monitoring the Prevention Hub Work Plan Projections Communication Log between SUPP providers, IDHS, Prevention First, and the CPRD.
Provide Technical Assistance and Training
Forms mutually beneficial partnerships with SUPP providers around the issues related to evaluation design, data collection, and interpretation and utilization of evaluation findings. Develops documentation and manuals for using the Prevention Hub custom web application. Tests enhancements to Prevention Hub custom web application. Ongoing contact with SUPP providers to provide technical assistance on data collection, Prevention Hub custom web application, and process and outcomes evaluation. Provides support to SUPP providers in recruitment of schools in their area to participate in the Illinois Youth Survey and support their efforts through implementation and data utilization of the survey results. Develops and delivers adult professional development activities to promote practical collection and use of data (online, classroom-based, Prevention Hub custom web application), consistent with best practices in adult education and theories underlying instructional design.
Collaboration with Team Members to Meet Research Goals
Work collaboratively with other team members. Partner with team members to achieve project goals and objectives. Other duties and responsibilities as appropriate.
Travel Requirements
Travel as needed.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field. Two (2) or more years of experience working in the substance use prevention field.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or advanced degree in social work, community psychology, sociology, human development, health services research, epidemiology, education, public health or related field. Experience with data collection and analysis as well as experience in applied research, program evaluation, training, consultation and technical assistance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Basic knowledge of prevention and early intervention programs. Excellent communication skills. Ability to work in a team environment. Knowledgeable about working with a variety of populations and cultures (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender). Good judgment (e.g., working within contracted role, responding appropriately to requests, verifying information) when representing CPRD externally via trainings, presentations, and site visits. Knowledgeable about working in an applied research setting. Excellent interpersonal, time management, organizational and solution focused skills. Advanced writing skills for proofing and editing documents. Ability to use MS Excel skills, MS Word, and MS PPT.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is $52,000 - $59,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Hybrid work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 23, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Upload your cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1034302
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu