What are the responsibilities and job description for the OCJ - Research Associate position at Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois?
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Research Associate
BUDGET TITLE: Administrative Assistant II
DEPARTMENT: Information Services, Research & Evaluation
UNION: Teamsters Local 700
GRADE: 14/E
STATUS: Non-Exempt
SALARY: $52,808
LOCATION: As assigned
OVERVIEW
The Research Associate (RA) provides administrative and operational support to the Office of the Chief Judge Research and Evaluation Unit. The RA plays a key role in ensuring project activities are implemented with integrity and are completed on time. The RA works on multiple projects simultaneously and coordinates closely with team members to ensure deadlines are met, products are of highest quality, and are in alignment with the court’s core values. The Research Associate works under the direction of the Director Research and Evaluation Unit, Office of the Chief Judge and Director of Research for Probation and Pretrial Operations.
Essential Functions
With oversight from the Director of the Research and Evaluation Unit, the essential functions of the RA include the following:
- Assist with the development of applied research / evaluation plans and data collection tools;
- Maintain project datasets, including verification, coding and re-configuring;
- Assist with data collection (including but not limited to observations, interviews, focus groups, surveys, document and literature reviews);
- Prepare/participate in meetings and presentations/trainings and take meeting minutes and notes;
- Maintain regular communication with project team on progress, questions and issues;
- Respond to ad hoc requests in a timely manner (and notify Project Lead about any out of scope ad hoc requests made by court leadership prior to proceeding/delivering them to clients);
- Assist with grant reporting and administration;
- Performing other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties above;
- Meet productivity standards as established by the Director of the Research and Evalution unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with coursework in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, social work, psychology, public policy, or a related field.
Experience: Experience in qualitative or quantitative research in a human services field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong quantitative analytical skills
- Critical thinking, analytic and problem-solving skills
- Accuracy, attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including an ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple projects and tasks
- Knowledge of criminal justice system, court processes and legal terminology preferred
- Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, online collaborative tools, and overall computer skills/technical aptitude
- An ability to act professionally and respectfully
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team to complete project tasks
- Must be able to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with a diverse audience
- Must comply with Court Rules of Conduct
- Must maintain confidentiality
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Revised: April, 2025
Salary : $52,808
