(Archived Job Descriptions Pre 2007)

Research Analysts

RESEARCH ANALYST II: St. Paul, Minnesota. Summary: This is an advanced, specialized professional position that works in statistical and data analysis, court program evaluation and policy analysis. Work includes conducting advanced analyses of state court activities and programs for the purpose of supporting court administration and management decision making, facilitating policy evaluation within the courts and in the legislature, promoting the efficient and effective use of court resources, and increasing the court’s accountability to the public. Duties: Serve as court’s expert on statistical information and statistical techniques used in deriving, analyzing and interpreting data from the statewide judicial information system. Take lead role in the analysis of court data to identify trends in filings dispositions, case outcomes, and case activity. Design and manage special program evaluations for problem solving courts, new initiates and grants. Coordinate the solicitation and coordination of grants. Direct and participate in data analysis and manage the production of the annual statistical court highlights report. Develop and maintain historical research databases. Qualifications: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social science, public policy or judicial administration, including major course work in statistics and/or research methodology, preferably supplemented by a master’s or PH.D. and considerable experience designing and managing court/criminal justice system research projects including demonstrated proficiency with SPSS. Salary:$24.97 – $38.70 hourly with a full State of MN benefits package. (2006)

RESEARCH ANALYST: Judicial Council of California, Office of Court Research, Executive Office Program Division, San Francisco, California. Summary: The Research Analyst position, in the Office of Court Research, with the Executive Office Programs Division, will work on a wide range of projects including studies of workload, the development of performance measures, data improvement, jury management, the utilization of court interpreters, and drug-court evaluation. In consultation with subject matter experts, analysts are expected to design research strategies, develop questionnaires and surveys, manage and evaluate projects. Duties: Research Design-This involves meeting with subject-matter experts to learn about policy questions currently under consideration and develop research strategies to address these questions. Research design requires creativity in constructing surveys to collect primary data and/or identifying existing data sources that can guide policy. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies and working within tight timeframes is critical; Data Collection and Data Management: This includes conducting data collection via different qualitative and quantitative modes; providing training for court staff in data collection requirements, developing analysis plans, designing and managing specified databases, and establishing data quality control practices and procedures; Collaboration in the Development of Research - This involves working collaboratively with other analysts as well as subject-matter experts in all phases of research and requires the flexibility to adapt research strategies to take into account data limitations and time constraints; Project Implementation - This includes drafting reports, memos summarizing findings or progress toward completion of projects, and newsletter articles on research projects; giving oral presentations to a wide range of audiences; responding to questions; and providing available information and statistical data to management, staff, other governmental agencies, and the public. Qualifications: This position requires equivalent to possession of a bachelor's degree, preferably with major course work in social science, statistics, mathematics, or public/business administration with a concentration in research methods. Additionally, three years of professional analytical experience in conducting research and planning projects. (Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a directly related postgraduate degree may be substituted for one year of experience). Or two years as a Staff Analyst with the judicial branch in professional planning and research. Salary: $5,325 - $6,471 per month. (2005)

RESEARCH ANALYST: San Francisco, California. Summary: In the Office of Court Research, with the Executive Office Programs Division, this position will work on a wide range of projects including studies of workload, the development of performance measures, data improvement, jury management, the utilization of court interpreters, and drug-court evaluation. In consultation with subject matter experts, analysts are expected to design research strategies, develop questionnaires and surveys, manage and evaluate projects. Duties: -Research Design - This involves meeting with subject-matter experts to learn about policy questions currently under consideration and develop research strategies to address these questions. Research design requires creativity in constructing surveys to collect primary data and/or identifying existing data sources that can guide policy. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies and working within tight timeframes is critical; Data Collection and Data Management - This includes conducting data collection via different qualitative and quantitative modes; providing training for court staff in data collection requirements, developing analysis plans, designing and managing specified databases, and establishing data quality control practices and procedures; Collaboration in the Development of Research - This involves working collaboratively with other analysts as well as subject-matter experts in all phases of research and requires the flexibility to adapt research strategies to take into account data limitations and time constraints; and Project Implementation - This includes drafting reports, memos summarizing findings or progress toward completion of projects, and newsletter articles on research projects; giving oral presentations to a wide range of audiences; responding to questions; and providing available information and statistical data to management, staff, other governmental agencies, and the public. Qualifications: This position requires equivalent to possession of a bachelor's degree, preferably with major course work in social science, statistics, mathematics, or public/business administration with a concentration in research methods. Additionally, three years of professional analytical experience in conducting research and planning projects. (Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a directly related postgraduate degree may be substituted for one year of experience.) Two years as a Staff Analyst with the judicial branch in professional planning and research. Salary: $5,325 - $6,471 per month. (2005)

RESEARCH SPECIALIST IV: Austin, Texas. Summary: Performs advanced level evaluation and research work. Work involves planning and conducting evaluation and research on major segments or phases of comprehensive evaluation and research projects. Work includes: on-site review and data collection of activities in courts across the state to promote local compliance and accountability with the legal requirements of Fair Defense Act and rules promulgated by the Task Force on Indigent Defense through an evidence-based practice; prepares and presents comprehensive reports on findings and recommendations; and, provides technical assistance to courts and local governments. Works collaboratively with court and local officials to develop remediation plans in instances of non-compliance. May plan, assign, and/or coordinate the work of others. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Duties: Plan, develop, and implement an evidence-based practice system to show whether particular programs and activities are producing the desired outcomes under state law and rules promulgated by the Task Force on Indigent Defense. Develop strategies and methodologies to measure the core outcomes of the Fair Defense Act. Prepare and publish in coordination with local stakeholders a methodology to measure outcomes. Develop monitoring and evaluation processes to meet program objectives efficiently and effectively. Prepare guidelines relating to support documentation and records needed to indicate compliance with the Fair Defense Act. Conduct on-site reviews to determine compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Collect data and conduct statistical analysis. Analyze data, system operations, methods, outputs, and activities in order to identify gaps in resources and recommend improvements along with coordinating activities to produce a more effective program. Prepare and present detailed, comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations related to program activities. Provide technical assistance on program measurement and services. Prepare remediation plans, procedures, and assistance. Investigate allegations of non-compliance, assist with complaint intake, data collection, and conduct quality assurance reviews of investigation reports. May train and/or supervise the work of others. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs related work as assigned. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. One year work experience in research, program evaluation, statistical analysis, auditing, monitoring, or in general government supporting essential functions as noted above. Preferred Qualifications: Major undergraduate course work in criminal justice, government, political science, law, business or public administration, statistical analysis, research methodology, or economics. Master Degree of Public Administration/Affairs (MPA). Experience in a criminal justice field. Experience in the judicial system. Salary: $3,236 - $4,167 per month. (2005)

PROGRAM ANALYST: District of Columbia Courts. Summary: The Research and Development Division conducts research, policy and management studies on court operations and administrative functions, manages grant-seeking activities, prepares statistical reports, develops new court programs and initiatives, and provides other technical assistance to the D.C. Courts. Duties: The incumbent conducts data/caseload analyses on court operations; develops and/or verifies statistical reports based on accepted practices and standards; implements procedures for data collection and maintenance, tabulation, analysis and presentation; develops computer programs using applications, such as SAS, Excel and Access; conducts statistical analyses, such as multivariate analysis, inferential statistics, correlation and reliability tests and forecasting; designs and maintains databases for special research projects and evaluative studies; monitors criminal justice trends and prepares information bulletins; and undertakes special research studies and projects in support of the Division’s technical support function, for Family Court and other court operations. Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in the social sciences, statistics or criminal justice, plus three years of experience as a social scientist researcher. An advanced degree in computer science, criminal justice or social science research may be substituted for some work experience. Salary: $52,468 - $68,209. (2005)

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: Virginia Supreme Court, Richmond, VA. Duties: Working with project teams to develop statistical models of judicial sentencing practices, to identify risk factors associated with the likelihood of offender recidivism, to conduct impact analysis of proposed policy changes, to develop sampling, data collection and analysis plans for special projects, and to present qualitative and quantitative research results using various software applications. Qualifications: Proficiency in the theory and application of multivariate statistical analysis techniques and social science research methods, experience with the application of statistical analysis software such as SPSS or SAS, and ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, complex information to various audiences. An advanced degree in a social science discipline is desirable. Prior experience working with large data bases is also desirable. Salary: DOE. (2005)

POLICY AND RESEARCH ANALYST: Federal Court, San Francisco, CA. Summary: Federal court, San Francisco, seeks individual with policy or management analysis or program evaluation experience, excellent analytical and research skills, and excellent communication skills to perform management studies and data analysis of court programs. Duties: Use SPSS, Excel, and other database and spreadsheet software. Qualifications: BA or BS in related field required. Legal experience helpful. Salary: DOE. (2005)

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST: GS-301-14/15, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOS), Washington, DC. Summary: The incumbent serves as senior research analyst for the Office of the Trustee and performs analytical and evaluative work associated with program activities. Duties: Develops, analyzes, evaluates, advises on, or improves the effectiveness of work methods and procedures, manpower utilization, distribution of work assignments, delegation of authority, and management controls. Analyzes agency-wide programs, functions and organizations to determine whether management systems in current use efficiently accomplish objectives. May serve as a team member to develop quality programs (Ex: Customer Service Initiative and Agency Performance Review). Qualifications: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. A Ph.D. in a related field of study is highly desirable. Annual salary range: $66,138 - $101,142. (1998)

POLICY AND PROCEDURE ANALYST: Municipal Court of Seattle, Washington, the highest volume limited jurisdiction Court in the State, has an opening for an experienced Policy and Procedure Analyst. Seeking a highly motivated, customer service oriented individual with strong interpersonal skills and excellent writing ability and who works well in a team environment. Summary: This position will have the opportunity to evaluate, analyze and develop Court policy and procedures. Incumbent will report directly to the Court Administrator. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in public administration or business administration; superior written and oral communications skills; excellent analytical skills; demonstrated ability to write technical or policy development materials; one year of experience in the development of policy or business materials; ability to manage projects, develop and maintain systems necessary to keep the court current on contemporary practices; demonstrated competence with Microsoft Word, Access and Excel or comparable software; and, must be self-directed, have the ability to work independently as well as be a team member. Master's degree in public administration and previous experience in a Court or other Criminal Justice agency are desirable. Salary: Begins at $3,486 monthly plus benefits. (1998)

RESEARCH/SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST (2 POSITIONS): California Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA. Duties: Both positions participate in the work of a small research team, perform the full range of analytical and professional planning and qualitative and quantitative research tasks, and work independently on complex or sensitive projects; use statistical methods to sample, evaluate, and analyze data; assess project information needs for various units of the judicial branch; develop sampling and analysis plans, data collection methodologies, forms, and data dictionaries for data collection projects; design and manage specified databases; and establish data quality control practices and procedures; analyze, summarize, and present qualitative and quantitative data using various software applications; draft reports, summaries, press releases, and newsletter articles on research and planning projects; and give oral presentations to various audiences. The Senior Analyst will serve in a lead capacity by directing the work of a small research team. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or experience to substitute) and 3 years of professional analytical experience conducting research and planning projects. Additionally, the Senior position requires one year of experience in a lead capacity. Starting annual salary range: Analyst: $49,800 - $54,780. Senior Analyst: $54,720 - $60,192. (1998)

GRANT AND RESEARCH ANALYST: California Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA. Duties: Develops and drafts grant requests; assures compliance with grant requirements; assists in conducting special studies and develops recommendations for new projects; provides data collection, preliminary analysis, and summaries for various projects; conducts research; and assists in the production of various publications. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or experience to substitute) and two years of professional analytical experience in the areas of grant development and administration, and/or conducting specialized research, data collection, and report writing. Starting annual salary range: $41,256 - $45,384 (1998)

RESEARCH SPECIALIST: Juvenile Justice Services Division and the Adult Services Division, Administrative Office of the Courts, Phoenix, Arizona. Duties: Responsible for research and statistical functions including coordination of contracts for juvenile justice and criminal justice research and evaluation; design, implementation, statistical analysis, interpretation, and documentation of juvenile justice and criminal justice research and evaluation; and, development, analysis, and interpretation of statistical data for the legislature, judicially created commissions and committees, and to the Adult and Juvenile Services Division. Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of research and evaluation methodologies e.g., population projections, statistical procedures, data analysis, needs assessment, research design, and evaluation techniques; working knowledge of SPSS statistical software; and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. A Ph.D. in criminal justice, psychology, or related field and 1 year of related experience or completion of all course work towards a Ph.D. and 2 years of related experience are strongly preferred. Annual salary range: $42,566 - $44,684. (1997)

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST: California Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA. Duties: In a lead capacity, directs and participates in the work of a small research team; performs the full range of analytical and professional planning and qualitative and quantitative research tasks, and works independently on complex or sensitive projects; uses statistical methods to sample, evaluate, and analyze data; assesses project information needs for various units of the judicial branch; develops sampling and analysis plans, data collection methodologies, forms, and data dictionaries for data collection projects; designs and manages specified databases; establishes data quality control practices and procedures; analyzes, summarizes, and presents qualitative and quantitative data using various software applications; drafts reports, summaries, press releases, and newsletter articles on research and planning projects; and, gives oral presentations to various audiences. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or experience to substitute) and 3 years of professional analytical experience conducting research and planning projects including one year in a lead capacity. Starting annual salary range: $54,720 - $60,192. (1997)

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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, an agency of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Summary: The Research Associate will participate in a wide variety of empirical research studies focusing on criminal sentencing decisions and their impacts. Duties: Incumbent will work with Commission project teams to develop statistical models of judicial sentencing practices, to identify risk factors associated with the likelihood of offender recidivism, to conduct impact analysis of proposed policy changes, and other justice system topics. Qualifications: The primary requirement for this position is demonstrated proficiency in social science research methods and multivariate statistical analysis of data. Professional work experience using both descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques and working with large data sets is highly desirable. Ability to effectively communicate complex information to lay audiences is also highly desirable. An advanced degree in a social science discipline is desirable. Experience with statistical software such as SPSS or SAS is required. Compensation is very competitive and will be commensurate with training and experience. This position includes a full and excellent benefits package. EOE. (1997)

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (CS-11/PERMANENT): District of Columbia Courts, Washington, D.C. Duties: assists in designing studies, develops data collection instruments, collects data, conducts statistical analyses, and drafts reports for research projects. Conducts policy and administrative studies including determining appropriate data sources and methodology, analyzes data and drafts memoranda, working papers and reports. Prepares concept papers and grant proposals in consultation with senior staff for pilot programs and court improvement projects. Monitors and provides summaries of developments in criminal justice, court administration, local legislation and public policies which impact the Courts, as well as trends in court caseloads and program operations. Qualifications: bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, a social science or related field PLUS four (4) years of experience as a researcher or management/policy analyst, preferably in an applied setting. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for up to three (3) years of experience. Starting salary: $33,232; promotional opportunity to CS-12 ($39,827 - $51,324.(1995)

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (CS-11/TEMPORARY 15 MONTHS): District of Columbia Courts, Washington, D.C. Duties: serves as principal researcher for Court Improvement Program project to assess court proceedings relating to abuse and neglect, adoption and foster care. Develops data collection instruments and procedures; undertakes primary and secondary data collection, including surveys, in-court observations, interviews, focus groups, etc.; conducts statistical and qualitative data analyses; and, prepares reports on project status and outcomes. Qualifications: bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, a social science or related field PLUS four (4) years of experience as a researcher or management/policy analyst, preferably in an applied setting. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for up to three (3) years of experience. Prefer candidate with knowledge of and experience with abuse and neglect, adoption and foster care issues. Salary: $33,232. (1995)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II/III: Office of the Administrator for the Courts, Olympia, Washington. Summary: as a member of the Research and Information Services Section, performs various phases of research pertaining to court management issues working under the direction of the research manager or a higher level research specialist. Duties: analyzes data using software packages such as SAS; evaluates data for accuracy and completeness; contributes to the design of statistical reporting systems; and prepares reports. Participates in projects utilizing data from comprehensive automated judicial information systems and in designing standard reports from such systems. Job responsibilities at the higher level are characterized by more independence of judgment and a greater degree of responsibility. Qualifications: (minimum) Level II: bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, or related field with two college-level courses in statistics, one college-level course in research methodology, and one course in computer programming; AND one year of professional work experience in research and statistical analysis using statistical computer software packages. Graduate training in social sciences, statistics, or a related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Level III: bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, or a related field with two college-level courses in statistics, one college-level course in research methodology, and one course in computer programming; AND three years of professional work experience in research and statistical analysis using statistical computer software packages. Graduate training in social sciences, statistics, or a related field may be substituted year-for-year for experience. Qualifications: (desired) working knowledge of SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software and/or SPSS (Statistical Package of the Social Sciences) software. Experience in criminal justice or court management research would be helpful. Annual salary range: Level II: $26,748 - $34,044; Level III: $29,388 - $37,572. (1996)

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EVALUATION RESEARCHER/PROPOSAL WRITER: Pima County Juvenile Court, Tucson, Arizona. Duties: design, implement, and evaluate programs for the effective treatment of juveniles under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court; prepare technical reports and executive summaries of evaluations of programs; develop proposals for funding by governmental and private agencies to assist program development and evaluation; and undertake studies for court management on such topics as effectiveness of various supervision practices, effectiveness and efficiency of placement options, and interagency relationships. Qualifications: familiarity with large database systems; competence in multivariate statistics, including software applications for large data systems; excellent writing skills; knowledge of empirical risk measurement and needs assessment in correctional settings; familiarity with basic concepts and practices of juvenile justice and corrections; and research experience in a juvenile or adult justice setting. A master's degree in social and behavioral sciences is preferred. Starting salary: $17.18 per hour. (1994)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/COURT OFFICER: 30th Judicial Circuit Court, Lansing, Michigan. Duties: assist the judge by conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda and drafting opinions, escorting juries, and performing related tasks. Qualifications: passed the Michigan Bar; graduated from an accredited school of law in the top 50 percentile; and courtroom or law firm experience. Salary range: $22,170. (1994)

SENIOR COURT ANALYST I: Court Services, Tallahassee, Florida. Duties: provide research, analysis, and technical assistance primarily to the family court area of trial court support and the guardian ad litem program; develop survey instruments and data collection tools to analyze family court activities; develop recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the family court programs and operations; prepare reports of research findings; and provide staff assistance to court policy committees. Qualifications: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in criminology, statistics, systems analysis, public or judicial administration, political science, or a related social science; and three years of experience in research and analysis, or judicial administration. A master's degree in an area cited above may substitute for two years of the recommended experience. Salary: $2,500 - $3,876 per month. (1994)

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: Federal Justice Statistics Resource Center, The Urban Institute, Washington, DC. Summary: manages the federal justice statistics resource center. Qualifications: Ph.D./MA in criminology or criminal justice, or JD; five years’ senior level experience in criminal justice information systems or statistical projects; experience in the analysis of criminal justice case records; and preparation of statistical reports. Knowledge of federal justice system operations, systems analysis, SAS programming, ORACLE, or other database management is desirable. No salary range given. (1994)

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Statisticians

STATISTICIAN: Summary: Provides statistical support for short and long term court projects and ad hoc requests. Duties: Conducts all aspects of statistical and related research, including literature search, survey design, data collection and verification, analysis, and report writing, especially the development of tables and graphs to communicate research results to non-statisticians. Designs, maintains, and distributes regular and ad hoc reports as requested. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, including some course work in research methodology and statistics, and three years applied statistical research, using SAS or similar software. Advanced degree referred. (2001)

STATISTICIAN: (General Description) Summary: Provides statistical support for short and long term court projects and ad hoc requests. Duties: Conducts all aspects of statistical and related research, including literature search, survey design, data collection and verification, analysis, and report writing, especially the development of tables and graphs to communicate research results to non-statisticians. Designs, maintains, and distributes regular and ad hoc reports as requested. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, including some course work in research methodology and statistics, and three years applied statistical research, using SAS or similar software. Advanced degree referred. Knowledge of social science or related research methods and principles of analysis principles. (2001)

COURT STATISTICS CONSULTANT: Office of the State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida. Duties: The incumbent is responsible for conducting and preparing detailed statistical analyses and projections of district, circuit, and county court caseload filings using sophisticated and complex computerized statistical modeling techniques. The incumbent also provides specialized technical assistance to administrative and professional staff for ongoing statistical analyses, program evaluations, and database development. Salary: $3,352-5,026 monthly. (1993)

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Analyst Positions::Analyst Managers::Court Analysts::Research Analysts/Statisicians