MSW Research Assistant (RA) Position

JobID: 477

Category: Student Research

JobSchedule:

Posted Date: 2026-04-15T14:55:48+00:00

JobShift:

Type of Student Employment: Any student may apply

JOB DESCRIPTION

MSW Research Assistant (RA) Position

Hourly Pay Rate: $18.00 - 25.00 experience dependent

Project Title: Climate Perceptions, Literacy, and Youth Mental Health in New Orleans

Position Overview

We are seeking motivated Master of Social Work (MSW) students to serve as Research Assistants (RAs) on a community-engaged research project examining how children and youth (ages 12-18) in the Greater New Orleans area understand and make meaning of climate-related information and experiences.

This project aims to map youth beliefs, analyze climate-related discourse, and inform the development of evidence-informed communication strategies to strengthen climate literacy and reduce climate-related distress. RAs will gain hands-on experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research, community-based participatory approaches, and climate and mental health scholarship.

Key Responsibilities

Research Assistants will support multiple aspects of the project, including:

Community-Based Data Collection

• Assist with recruitment of youth participants through community organizations, schools, and social networks
• Support implementation of Photovoice methodology, including participant guidance and communication
• Conduct or assist with semi-structured qualitative interviews
• Maintain ethical standards, including informed consent/assent and confidentiality

Qualitative Research & Analysis

• Transcribe and organize interview and Photovoice data
• Assist with coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data
• Participate in team-based interpretation of findings

Literature Review & Mixed Methods Research

• Contribute to scoping and systematic reviews on climate, heat exposure, and youth mental health
• Screen and extract data from peer-reviewed articles
• Assist with synthesis of findings across qualitative and quantitative sources

Knowledge Translation & Dissemination

• Support development of research summaries, reports, and presentations
• Contribute to materials for a "trusted messenger" climate communication toolkit
• Assist with community-facing dissemination of findings

Learning Objectives / Benefits

MSW RAs will:

• Gain experience in community-based participatory research (CBPR)
• Develop skills in qualitative interviewing, coding, and thematic analysis
• Learn systematic and scoping review methodologies
• Build knowledge at the intersection of climate change, mental health, and social inequities
• Strengthen competencies in trauma-informed and youth-centered research practices

Required Qualifications

• Current MSW student in good academic standing
• Interest in climate change, mental health, and/or social justice
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, coding)
• Familiarity with literature reviews or academic databases
• Experience working with youth or community-based organizations
• Interest in climate communication, health equity, or policy

Time Commitment & Compensation

• Estimated: 5 hours/week (flexible based on student availability)
• Duration: June - December
• Compensation: $18-25 experience dependent.

Location

• Based in the Greater New Orleans area
• Combination of in-person (community engagement/interviews) and remote work

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume/CV
• Brief statement of interest (1 page max) describing relevant experience and interest in the project