Path 2.0 - Field Interviewer

Job Description
Westat is currently seeking motivated and detail-oriented individuals with a commitment to excellence to be Field Interviewers on the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. PATH collects information on tobacco use and examines attitudes about tobacco use as well as the short- and long-term health effects of such use.
Interviewers are required to locate sampled addresses, screen household members, and interview sampled adults and youth in their homes for a longitudinal study. Interviewers will ask some respondents for biological samples. The interview and samples collection process is expected to last approximately 2 hours.
Interviewers regularly receive and transmit data via the internet and report progress and costs to their supervisor.
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 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.
Interested applicants are required to view the PATH interviewer video to learn more about this position prior to submitting an application. To view the video, click the link below:
PATH Study: The Field Interviewer's Job - Westat
Or cut and paste this URL into your browser:
https://www.westat.com/path-study-the-field-interviewers-job
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be able to complete a fully remote training program that requires 20-25 hours per week, for approximately 3 weeks prior to the start of data collection (February 12, 2024, through early March 2024).

Minimum Requirements

• Live in or around the geographic work area defined by the project sample.
• Be available to work during the data collection period from early March 2024 through December 31, 2024.
• Be available to work 20 hours per week, 3 to 4 hours a time, mostly evenings and weekends, at specified days/times when work is available.
• Be able to complete the training according to the given schedule while adhering to professional training protocols.
• Be able to communicate multiple times per week with your assigned supervisor during the training period.
• Be available to travel locally for project work.
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and carry 30 pounds of equipment and materials;
  • Walk several blocks; and
  • Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment.
• Have telephone service with a long-distance calling feature.
• Have a secure high-speed internet home connection. The training program requires internet access for eLearning training modules, online classrooms, and video calls.
• Have a reliable vehicle with insurance under your name.
• Have a valid (current) driver's license that is not under suspension.

Preferred Criteria

• In-person interviewing and/or cold-calling experience.
• Experience working with the public.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic groups.
• Comfortable using a laptop computer.
• Able to establish and maintain a good rapport with study respondents.
• Comfortable working in unfamiliar locations and knocking on doors.
• Self-motivated, organized, detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently.
• 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 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 exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance.
This federal government project is subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). The hourly rate for this position is determined by the location where work is performed. In addition to hourly pay, a health and welfare payment of $4.98, which may be reduced based on group benefit election, will be paid weekly, for up to 40 work hours per week. This position is eligible for paid vacation and holiday leave based on hours worked.
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.