Research Intern - 11-145 - SC/ OC - The Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI)

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory is seeking a Research Intern for a paid seasonal role focused on homelessness and social work challenges. You will gain hands-on experience in data analysis, literature reviews, and program development.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in related fields and have strong MS Office skills, with a passion for social justice and the ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid setting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed studies in social sciences or public health.
• Interest in homelessness and social justice; ability to work independently.
• Proficient in MS Office; strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on homelessness, mental health, and substance use.
• Conduct focus groups and interviews with staff, volunteers, and participants.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and policy briefs.
• Brainstorm and help develop pilot projects and interventions.
• Support grant writing or funding proposals.

Skills

Verbal & Written Communication

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Independent & Collaborative Work

Public Speaking

Education

Sociology / Public Health / Communications / Research / Social Work / Psychology (related field)

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) is committed to understanding the complex dynamics of homelessness, including its intersections with mental health, substance use, and systemic inequalities. Our mission is to drive innovative research that informs effective policies and programs, fostering sustainable solutions to homelessness.

Position Summary

The CARI Research Intern is a paid seasonal position designed for students or early-career professionals who are eager to gain hands‑on experience in research, data analysis, and problem‑solving related to homelessness and the grand challenges of social work. As an intern, you will contribute to cutting‑edge research, help analyze data trends and collaborate on developing creative solutions to address homelessness and its related challenges.

Essential Functions

Research and Data Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews on homelessness, mental health, and substance use and other grand challenges of social work.
• Conduct focus groups and in‑person interviews with staff, volunteers, homeless participants, vendors and other key stakeholders.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and insights.
• Assist in preparing research reports, presentations, and policy briefs.

Innovative Solution Development

• Brainstorm and contribute ideas for programs and interventions aimed at addressing the grand challenges of social work, with a focus on mental health and substance use.
• Support the design and evaluation of pilot projects or case studies.

Collaborative Teamwork

• Work closely with researchers, policymakers, and community partners to ensure the applicability of research findings.
• Participate in team meetings to share insights and progress updates.

Administrative and Outreach Support

• Assist in managing research data, documentation, and archives.
• Support grant writing or funding proposal efforts as needed.

Leadership Core Competencies

• Literature Review Proficiency: Ability to systematically review academic and grey literature, synthesize findings, and identify knowledge gaps.
• Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis: Skilled in coding interview/focus group data, analysis.
• Critical Thinking: Capability to interpret data within context, draw insightful conclusions, and question assumptions. Innovative Thinking: Ability to generate creative, evidence‑informed solutions to complex social problems such as homelessness and co‑occurring disorders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including vulnerable populations, front‑line workers, and policymakers.
• Teamwork and Cross‑functional Collaboration: Demonstrated capacity to work within interdisciplinary teams and across sectors.
• Cultural Competency and Empathy: Sensitivity and responsiveness to the lived experiences and needs of homeless populations, particularly those with mental health or substance use issues.
• Technical Writing and Reporting: Strong ability to draft clear, concise research summaries, policy briefs, and grant proposals.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively present findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Time Management and Prioritization: Ability to juggle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and completeness in research documentation, reporting, and grant submissions.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Due to the nature of the facility, incumbent must be able to work outdoors, be around animals and feel comfortable walking outdoors on potentially uneven surfaces.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army’s Christian mission are required for this position.
• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in sociology, public health, communications, research, advocacy and public policy, social work, psychology, or a related field. (preferred)
• Passion for social justice and a genuine interest in addressing homelessness.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid environment.
• Must possess the ability to meet deadlines, handle figures, and work with attention to detail.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• If working in the vicinity of children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills, with exceptional grammar and spelling skills
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before groups of clients, staff, and collaborative partners.
• Ability to investigate, document, draw valid conclusions, and determine appropriate follow‑up steps for problems that may arise.

Experience

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in sociology, public health, communications, research, advocacy and public policy, social work, psychology, or a related field. (preferred)

Equal Opportunity and Rights Notice

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.