HW Jobs: Data Collector Positions

From: Darryl T. Downing

Consultant Title:       Data Collector (6 positions)
Organization:           Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc.
Position Reports to:    NYC CPPW-Obesity Evaluator
Daily rate:     $130 per day; prorated accordingly for half days; Positions are consultant-based and Temporary (Positions will last a minimum of 3 and maximum of 4 weeks).

The Fund for Public Health in New York (FPHNY) seeks 6 Data Collectors as part of an evaluation of an upcoming health related media campaign. The campaign and evaluation are part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW)-Obesity Initiative, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The NYC CPPW-Obesity Initiative, managed by the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control in the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), aims to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and to reduce obesity.

The Data Collectors will report to the NYC CPPW-Obesity Evaluator.

The Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control spearheads programs and policy initiatives to reduce the burden of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and to address underlying risk factors for disease, such as obesity.  The Bureau promotes healthful changes in the food and physical environment, works with physicians to promote best practices for chronic disease prevention and care, develops programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating, and manages a hemoglobin A1C registry to improve diabetes management.  Recent key initiatives spearheaded by the Bureau include: Trans Fat Ban, Calorie Posting Regulation, Green Carts vendor program and physical activity training for daycare, pre-K and elementary school staff.

The positions are consultant-based, temporary and expected to last three to four weeks.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The data collectors will conduct street-based surveys outside of six NYC subway stations throughout the city. Data collectors will work in teams of 2 and will approach subway riders as they enter or leave the subway station and conduct brief (5-7 minute) interviews. The teams will rotate their location assignments based on a pre-determined schedule. The interviews will be conducted in rotating shifts that include Monday to Friday morning (7AM-11AM) and evening (4PM-7PM) rush hour commutes, as well as some weekend shifts.

The data collection will begin on February 14, 2011 and end by March 11, 2011. A paid training on the study’s protocol and on administering the survey will be conducted 1-2 weeks before data collection begins.
RESPONSIBILITIES
*       Attending and successfully completing training
*       Conducting street-based surveys with subway riders
*       Recording accurate data on hardcopies of the survey questionnaire
*       Providing daily updates on the number of interviews conducted to the CPPW Evaluator
*       Returning all completed surveys to the main office at the end of each work-day, which is located at 2 Lafayette Street in downtown Manhattan
*       Some data entry may also be required

Qualifications:
Previous experience conducting surveys is strongly preferred but not required. Ability to conduct surveys in Spanish is also strongly preferred but not required. Candidates must be able to work during the dates noted and to maintain a flexible schedule, as necessary, during the data collection period.
The Fund for Public Health in New York, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.

To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to Milton Mino at mmino@health.nyc.gov.  In the cover letter, indicate how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.