Position Snapshot

Contract Position | $100/hour | Up to 97 hours total | Hybrid, Pinellas & Pasco Counties, FL

Organization: Cetera

Project: Older Youth Landscape Scan completed for Family Support Services

Overview:
Cetera is seeking a Graduate-Level Assistant Researcher with lived experience in the foster care system to join our research team for the Older Youth Landscape Scan, a research project being conducted by Cetera for Family Support Services. This study is an in-depth qualitative study examining the experiences, needs, and perspectives of older youth from foster care and related stakeholders across Pinellas and Pasco counties. This project will inform strategies to enhance services, supports, and outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Researcher will support and collaborate with the Cetera leadership and research team to execute the following tasks:

· Meet with FSS leadership to determine the goals and intent of the landscape analysis.

· Identify and contact stakeholders for interviews and focus groups; identify relevant documents for review.

· Collaborate with the research team to develop mutually agreed-upon research questions to guide the analysis.

· Schedule and conduct one-on-one interviews with stakeholders and youth across Pinellas and Pasco counties.

· Schedule and conduct 3–5 focus groups with stakeholders and youth in the same regions.

· Conduct a document review of relevant policies, procedures, and reports.

· Perform qualitative thematic analysis to identify key themes, trends, and insights.

· Employ stratification techniques as needed to analyze data across geographic areas and participant roles.

· Vet initial findings with participants to ensure accuracy and representation of their voices and experiences.

· Develop and deliver a comprehensive written report summarizing findings and recommendations.

· Present findings to FSS leadership and other stakeholders as requested.

· Participate in ongoing research team meetings.

Qualifications

· Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a master’s or doctoral program in social work, sociology, public policy, public health, psychology, or a related field.

· Lived experience in foster care, kinship care, adoption, or guardianship preferred.

· Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods, including interview facilitation, focus group management, and thematic analysis.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to engage professionally and empathetically with youth and diverse stakeholders.

· Familiarity with child welfare systems, youth development, or community-based research is preferred.

· Reside in the Tampa Bay area and have reliable transportation to conduct fieldwork across Pinellas and Pasco counties.

· Reliable technology to join Zoom meetings and access research related software.

Compensation & Contract Details

· Rate:$100/hour

· Total Hours: Up to 97 hours

· Contract Duration: Approximately six months

· Work Format and Location: Hybrid, combination of remote work and in-person fieldwork across Pinellas and Pasco counties.

· Travel Compensation: Researcher will be compensated for any travel costs associated with in-person research activities, including mileage at a rate of $.70/mile. Activities that require 4+ hours of travel and/or activities will also include a meal allowance.

· Materials:Researcher will be responsible for their own computer, internet/Wi-Fi, and phone (texts and calls). Software required for research activities (Zoom, transcription services, analysis software) will be provided by Cetera.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit by November 9, 2025:

1. A resume or CV highlighting relevant research experience

2. One sample of written research work (e.g., report excerpt, academic paper, or summary of findings)

Please send application materials to Dr. Jamie Bennett, jamie@ceterafl.org, with the subject line: Assistant Researcher – Older Youth Landscape Analysis.