Social Researcher

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals families and communities in Durham for 55 years. We organize a variety of research community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at for more information.

• Using client-centered anti-oppression anti-racism trauma-informed gender-based analysis plus and strength-based approaches build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners vendors staff and volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners vendors staff volunteers and clients
• Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive harmonious cooperative efficient and productive.
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
• Using a community based participatory action research approach conduct quantitative and qualitative research studies that focus on equity deserving groups in Durham Region.
• Collaborate with research partners to develop research questions surveys interviews and focus group guides.
• Compile data available from publicly available sources (e.g Statistics Canada Region of Durham Open Data Community Data Program) to create Community Lens reports infographics and summaries.
• Stay up to date with current developments in public policy in the social service sector and community development with the ability to create briefing notes.
• Analyze synthesize interpret and disseminate key elements of current and proposed government policy legislation.
• Conduct custom reporting on labour market civic employment and other social issues as directed.
• Collect data using online survey programs in person interviews and focus groups.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data interpret results and write reports of findings.
• Work with partners to conduct program evaluations to gauge effectiveness build efficiency make recommendations to enhance programming and sustainability
• Disseminate research results to partners through the CDCD website social media and in person presentations.
• Work with key community partners and collaborators to develop action plans related to research findings.
• Assists Community Development team to develop funding proposals for the overall agency and grassroot organizations served in the incubation program.
• Participate as an active member of the Community Development team contributing to a positive workplace culture through engagement in agency committees departmental initiatives and collaborative teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Masters degree in social health or environmental science or arts discipline with a research/thesis component.
• Experience in research design and quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Familiarity with and experience in community-based research and policy analysis.
• Proven experience with data collection and analysis.
• Strong report writing skills. Knowledge of research ethics.
• Grant writing experience.
• Experience in the settlement sector working with newcomers newcomer youth and immigrant-serving partners is an asset.
• Experience working with unsheltered populations is an asset.
• Written and oral fluency in English and proficiency in a second language preferred.
• Demonstrates understanding of issues faced by marginalized populations we serve.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural communities.
• Knowledge of anti-oppression principles and critical research.
• Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in recruiting research participants.
• Strong project management skills including the ability to prioritize tasks manage timelines and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.