Today@Dal

“An appreciative inquiry on collaboration and learning in a long term care setting: exploring the potential for organizational change” is a Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation-funded Development/Innovative grant. This study aims to apply Appreciative Inquiry to interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives in a local long-term care (LTC) setting. Through a series of appreciative inquiry workshops and interviews with stakeholders, this project will (1) describe and strengthen collaboration and IPE in a LTC setting by recognizing collaboration that is working well and (2) assess the use of Appreciative Inquiry as a research method for evaluating and promoting collaboration in the context of LTC settings. This research focuses on the activities of the Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC) at Maplestone Enhanced Care. The CLC is the result of a partnership between Dalhousie University and Shannex, a long-term care provider.

The research assistant will work with the collaborative research team, which consists of academic partners from Dalhousie University, partners from the long-term care sector and a part-time research coordinator.

Duties:
• Work with the research coordinator on finalizing analysis of previous pilot study
• Schedule, conduct and transcribe 2-3 interviews with clients/family members
• Assist with scheduling and coordination of 4-5 focus groups with key stakeholders between March and June 2016
• Attend and assist with running of focus groups, including taking notes, summarizing key themes and assist with coordinating transcription
• Conduct transcription from focus groups when necessary
• Assist with thematic data analysis of focus groups/interviews
• Assist with subsequent grant proposal writing
• Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and manuscripts
• Other tasks as required

Qualifications and Experience:
• Research-based Masters or in progress, in relevant field (social or health sciences, applied health services research) or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills with experience in conducting interviews and focus groups
• Experience with qualitative research, including qualitative data analysis
• Excellent writing and organizational skills
• Familiarity with Appreciative Inquiry, collaborative research and long-term care and/or interprofessional education an asset
• Ability to work independently, as well as within a collaborative, interprofessional team environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office, database search engines, qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo), and reference management software (e.g., Reference Manager )

Part time: Approximately 6 hours/week for 6 months (approximately 140 hours) (with the possibility of extension)
Rate: $18-25/hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Start Date: Immediately.

To apply, send your cover letter, resume and the names of three references by email to: Dr. Heidi Lauckner, School of Occupational Therapy: Heidi.lauckner@dal.ca
Please cc to Christy Nickerson-Rak, Maplestone: cnickerson-rak@shannex.com

Applications must be received by March 9th, 2016, 4 pm.

Interviews to be held on March 16th (am), March 17th (noon) or March 18th.

Thank you for all applications. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.