Research Assistant - Canada Summer Job Grant (Horton St)

Goodwill is hiring, join our growing organization today! We are looking for people just like YOU!

The Research Assistant will support the design, testing, and deployment of a survey tool in collaboration with academic and organizational partners, ensuring it is clear, inclusive, and effective. You will assist with data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of reports and presentations to communicate key findings.

If you have a passion for thrifting, making a difference in your community, helping people and the environment – come join Goodwill! We are a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to improving the lives of others through our mission of WORK.

We welcome all backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and perspectives. No experience is needed as we will help train, coach, and support your path of success. We welcome newcomers to the region to apply.   Grow your career, skills and reach your full potential.

During the recruitment process, accommodation is available upon request.

About Us 

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes is a leading non-profit organization committed to changing lives and communities through the power of WORK. Ready to work or not, a job at Goodwill is a path to work readiness. Our organization strives to create a workplace which is welcoming and respectful to all where every employee and member feels valued and supported.   Diversity, equity, accessibility and preserving the environment are important to us.  Building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and serve is our goal.

Mission: 
Changing Lives and communities through the power of WORK.

Vision: 
Everyone working and thriving in sustainable communities.

Values: 
Inclusion: Embracing all people equally

Compassion: Serving with heart

Aspiring Workforce: Together changing lives through the power of WORK

Respect: Embracing diversity, upholding all people with dignity and trust

Empathy: Ability to walk in each other’s shoes

Why You Will Love Goodwill

We have an amazing team and workplace:

• Diverse, inclusive, and dynamic culture. Employer of choice across Southwestern Ontario who meets the Federal Government’s 50/30 challenge for diversity in leadership.
• Commitment to accessibility and mobility (various walking devices and wheelchair accessible work locations).
• Mission-driven organization committed to the Power of Work.
• Environmentally committed to meeting our goal of zero waste on planet earth.
• Respectful, fun, and supportive team and leadership.
• Accredited through CARF International.

Competitive Compensation Package includes:

• Benefits (dental/health) available for full-time and some part-time positions (based on hours worked).
• Registered Pension Plan opportunity for various roles.
• Employee discount at retail locations.

Exciting career training and coaching:

• Equitable access to skills training & coaching, scholarships, and educational credentials.

Supportive Life and Work Opportunities:

• Individual personal and professional development support with Life Coach & Employee Assistance Program.
• Work-life balance with scheduling flexibility.

What You Will Do

• Assist in the Development of a Survey Tool:
  • Collaborate closely with research leads from institutions like the University of Western Ontario (UWO) and/or the University of Toronto to design and refine a survey tool. This tool will be integral to gathering data that informs the Work First Strategy, focused on employee life stabilization supports.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions to determine key survey objectives, ensuring questions align with measurable outcomes for life stabilization.
  • Test and validate the survey tool to ensure clarity, accessibility, and relevance for diverse employee populations, incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders.
• Data Collection and Analysis Support:
  • Support the collection of responses by assisting in the deployment of the survey, whether through digital platforms or in-person methods.
  • Organize and categorize the collected data for analysis, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality throughout the process.
  • Contribute to identifying trends and insights from the data under the supervision of the research lead, helping to draw conclusions that inform the strategy.
• Engagement with Stakeholders:
  • Work collaboratively with employees and community members to ensure their needs and perspectives are reflected in the survey design and the overall Work First Strategy.
  • Act as a liaison between a research team and stakeholders to facilitate communication and transparency during the survey process.
• Report and Presentation Support:
  • Assist in creating reports and presentations that summarize survey findings, including visuals like charts and graphs.
  • Help in preparing materials for presentations to policymakers, organizational leaders, and other stakeholders to advocate for life stabilization supports effectively.
• Skill Development in Communication and Teamwork:
  • Develop professional communication skills by working with multidisciplinary teams, including academic researchers, organizational leaders, and community members.
  • Enhance collaboration and project management abilities through active participation in team meetings and project timelines.
• Skill Development in Research and Analysis:
  • Gain experience in research methodology, data collection techniques, and analytical processes to understand and address real-world challenges.
  • Build technical skills in data organization and use of tools for survey deployment and analysis, such as Excel, SPSS, or similar platforms.
  • This role offers the youth an opportunity to actively engage in impactful research that bridges academic insights and community needs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to evidence-based strategies in the workplace.

What We Are Looking For

• Enthusiastic attitude: excited to work with other people and teams.
• Flexibility: able to work at different times, including days, evenings, and weekends.
• We will help coach on these workplace skills:
  • Communication: clear and effective interacting with team members and customers to create a positive workplace.
  • Problem solving: finding solutions to problems, being accurate, and using simple math i.e. counting, adding and subtraction.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment. Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• Between 15-30 years of age at the start of employment.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in any related program (in-progress or completed) such as Recreation and Leisure, EDI, Sociology, Social Work, Social Service Worker, etc.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Accuracy in handling data, including cleaning and categorizing responses.