ECLS-K:2024 - Assessor

Job Description
Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals to work as assessors on an important study providing comprehensive data about children's learning and development, transition into kindergarten, and progress through elementary school.
The primary role of the ECLS-K: 2024 Assessor is to conduct in-person child assessments at schools or at participants' homes and have follow-up telephone or in-person parent interviews and parent reminder calls.
Westat has a long-standing policy to protect the health of our staff and the general public. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we continue to require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment or screening activities may be required, depending upon the specific study's protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be available to attend mandatory in-person, out-of-town training, March 13-17, 2024, at the Westat Rockville Campus, 1600 Research Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850, with travel dates on March 12 and March 17 or 18.
• Be available to complete a web-based home study training between February 26 and March 10, 2024.

Minimum Requirements

• Live in the geographic work area defined by the project.
• Be available to work for the specified data collection period from March 19 to June 28, 2024.
• Be available to work 20-25 hours per week, including evening and weekend hours, when work is available.
• Be willing to travel locally for project work or long distances for specified periods of time (depending on the assignment).
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and carry up to 20 pounds (laptop computer and assessment materials) in and out of your home, vehicle, and schools;
  • Walk several blocks; and
  • Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment.
• Have a valid (current) driver's license that is not under suspension.
• Have regular access to an insured, reliable vehicle; however, in selected urban areas where there are a variety of mass transit options to all regions, this requirement may be waived.
• Must be willing to adapt to changes in school schedules and requirements.
• Be a team player.
• Have excellent keyboarding and electronic data entry skills.
• Have excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use the keyboard, send/receive email).
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Criteria

• Have a bachelor's degree in education.
• Have strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Prior experience as a field manager, team leader, troubleshooter, assessor, or interviewer on the ECLS-K:2011 or ECLS-K:2024 FT, or as a school recruiter on the ECLS-K:2024.
• Education-related work experience.
• Experience collecting data in a standardized manner.
• Be comfortable using a laptop computer and establishing Wi-Fi connections in various locations.
• Attention to detail (e.g., using correct school IDs, recording school information accurately) and good organization skills (e.g., maintaining school information and schedules).
• Experience working with children and/or in a school setting.
• Experience conducting assessments in schools.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history.
This is a part-time variable hour, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance.
All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.
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 expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.