Overview

THE ROLE

TRAILS is seeking an Evaluation Intern for Summer 2024. The Evaluation Intern will work with the TRAILS Evaluation Manager, the TRAILS Evaluation Team, and TRAILS Clinical Directors to support program evaluation of TRAILS’ multi-tiered mental health interventions in K-12 schools. 

It is expected that the TRAILS Evaluation Intern will engage with a summer-long project that is agreed upon by the Evaluation Intern and the Evaluation Manager. Examples of projects the TRAILS Evaluation Intern might engage with are: 

  • Evaluating whether training outcomes differ by training format (e.g., a live Zoom presentation; an asynchronous video recording);
  • Summarizing data from a survey of student perspectives on the TRAILS SEL curriculum;
  • Organizing and summarizing qualitative data regarding school mental health professional experiences with TRAILS data collection;
  • Summarizing PTSD symptom data from students receiving TRAILS CBT and mindfulness support and evaluating its relation to other mental health outcomes; 
  • Conducting a literature review regarding the TRAILS’ model theory of change. 

This internship is a great opportunity to experience working with real-world data to directly inform programming as well as communicating complex data to non-technical audiences. The internship runs 20 hours per week for 12 weeks, is fully remote, and is flexible in scheduling with some overlap with standard operating hours of 9am-5pm ET. 

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Evaluation Data Collection, Management, and Analysis (60%) 

  • Clean and analyze TRAILS program evaluation data reporting (comprised of survey data from students and staff, mental health data from students, administrative data, and publicly available data) using a variety of statistical methods. 
  • Create and maintain datasets, including merging files, restructuring, recoding variables, and checking for errors. 
  • Prepare written reports and oral presentations for use by TRAILS decision-makers in collaboration with the Evaluation Manager.
  • Assist with the development of data collection instruments. 
  • Conduct literature reviews to inform TRAILS evaluation work and share findings to an audience of TRAILS staff.

Systems Management (30%) 

  • Directly collaborate with the full Evaluation Team to support the development and maintenance of standard reporting procedures. 
  • Download and archive survey data.

Team Responsibilities (10%)

  • Attend all staff meetings and retreats, workgroups and other relevant TRAILS meetings as necessary. 
  • Support the TRAILS team with all hands on deck events as needed and other team initiatives.

THE PERSON 

Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences lend themselves to this work:

  • Demonstrated experience creating datasets and data management systems. 
  • Demonstrated experience independently conducting statistical analyses using R coding as opposed to point-and-click.
  • Proficiency with Google Suite, Qualtrics, Microsoft Office, and R. 
  • Demonstrated interest in academic, social, and emotional disparities observed in school-aged youth. 
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly as it relates to data practices.
  • Strong commitment to the TRAILS mission.

Our experience suggests that the following types of skills lend themselves well to this work:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience with developing and delivering presentations. 
  • Strong team player with the ability to take initiative and work well independently.

EDUCATION

Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:

  • A current advanced degree (e.g., Masters; PhD) student in public policy, public health, data science, or a social science field (e.g., education, survey methodology, psychology). 
  • Prior completed coursework in graduate level statistics, survey methods, and database management.
  • Applicable experience and competencies may be considered in lieu of formal education. 

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time, non-exempt, temporary position. The total stipend for this internship is $5,000, paid at an hourly rate of $20.83. 

APPLICATION NOTES

  • Please address the following question in a cover letter along with any other relevant details: 
    • How do you see an internship with the TRAILS Evaluation team fitting into your long-term career goals? 
  • We are only considering applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Our job descriptions reflect TRAILS’ assignment of essential functions and qualifications of the role. Nothing herein restricts management's right to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this role at any time.