Project Specialist

The mission of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is to improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities, advance social and economic justice, and eradicate pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse urban environments throughout Southern California, the nation, and the world. Our mission is achieved by providing students with experiential, practice, and competency-based learning, and culturally responsive training that is informed by evidence and best practices.

The Center for Homelessness, Housing and Health Equity Research at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, is seeking a Project Specialist that will provide specialized leadership support for the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The Project Specialist will support in establishing partnerships with community agencies, creating protocols, trainings, and procedures for the Demographic Survey. The Project Specialist must be able to work independently, in the field, and with agency providers and will be asked to commute to various parts of LA County and will require their own transportation. The Project Lead is out in the field 60% of the time and will require candidates to be able to sustain significant periods of walking and standing (up to 7 hours or more in the workday). 

Accountabilities, but not limited to:

The Project Specialist will adhere to established study protocols in order to identify and interview individuals experiencing homelessness. Additional job functions include participating in weekly team meetings, attending important key stakeholder meetings, preparing, delivering, and collecting materials to team leaders, staff, and agency providers. The Project Specialist will also be managing staff, troubleshooting crises in the field, assisting with strategizing areas of coverage, and support in data cleaning. The Project Specialist will also focus on establishing partnerships and supporting the needs of Family Solution Centers (FSC’s), Safe Parking (SP) sites, and other community agencies that are participating in the Demographic Survey. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

Must have a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Prior experience working on research projects, project management, conducting interviews, survey data collection, or experience working with vulnerable populations is highly desired.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Able to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Able to lead a team and manage staff of different lived backgrounds.
• Ensure quality assurance during the whole duration of the project.
• Able to communicate closely with team members.
• Willing to follow safety protocols related to COVID-19 ( i.e wearing a mask).
• Able to explain the research study in a professional and ethical manner.
• Knowledge of areas within designated Service Planning Areas highly desired.
• Receptive to constructive feedback from supervisors.
• Ability to use a computer tablet, smartphone, or other computer device.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google Drive.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Comfortable asking questions related to homelessness, experiences with violence and other sensitive topics.
• Able to be interact effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Must have own transportation to travel within LA County

This position is for a full-time, fixed-term, grant-funded appointment through June 30, 2025.

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working on research projects, project management, conducting interviews, survey data collection, or experience working with vulnerable populations is highly desired.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.40 - $32.50. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience to be able to advise on project procedures and analysis techniques. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 3 years