Research Assistant, Mental Health Reform –Deadline 2 April

Duration: Five months (fixed term, fixed purpose contract)
Hours of work: 39 hours per week

Mental Health Reform is the national coalition of organisations working together to promote improved mental health services. Established in 2006 as the Irish Mental Health Coalition, the organisation re-launched as Mental Health Reform in February 2011 and is proceeding to implement an ambitious plan to influence reform of mental health in Ireland.

Summary of the role
The Research Assistant (fixed term, fixed purpose) will conduct research to capture participants’ perceptions of the value of an integrated, person-centred rehabilitative and vocational training service for people with mental health issues under the supervision and direction of the Policy Officer. The Research Assistant will have substantial responsibility for carrying out the research activities.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Plan research activities under the supervision and direction of the Policy Officer
• Liaise with participants as required to progress the project
• Conduct a literature review
• Conduct focus groups with participants in training centres
• Conduct interviews with referral agents
• Collect and analyse data on programme outcomes from the service provider
• Draft a report summarising the analysis and incorporating the literature review
• Administrative duties associated with the research project

Person specification:

Mandatory:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines
• An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project
• Experience in conducting qualitative research
• Fluent speaker and writer of English
• Advanced/Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) in psychology, social science or other relevant discipline
• Experience of communicating with disadvantaged groups

Desirable:

• Knowledge of mental health issues
• Knowledge of rehabilitation and/or employment policy and practice
• Experience in conducting quantitative research

Please note that this post will be based in Dublin and will require some travel within Ireland.

To apply, please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Shari McDaid, Policy Officer at smcdaid@mentalhealthreform.ie or telephone 01 612 1422. 

Click here for more information http://www.activelink.ie/node/11925

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 2nd April, 2013. Interviews will be scheduled for the week starting Monday, 8th April, 2013.