Materials Distribution Services

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGENCY SERVICES FOR COMPUTER ASSISTED PERSONAL INTERVIEWERS (CAPI)

SCOPE: Contract for the purchase of Temporary Employment Agency Services for Computer Assisted Interviewers.

The University of Wisconsin Survey Center (UWSC) has provided a broad range of high quality survey research services to the UW community, governmental agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.  UWSC provides data collection and research services on a fee for service basis to clients that require high quality research services.  We employ a staff of methodologists and trained research staff to ensure that best practices are implemented.  As part of The Wisconsin Idea, we extend these services beyond campus walls to state and local government agencies. 

Interviewers will be hired based on project needs.  The interviews will be conducted using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), where we will be sending trained staff to interview respondents in their homes.  Additionally, depending on the project, our interviewers will be collecting simple biospecimens and physical measures from the respondents, digitally recording the interviews, and leaving a self-administered questionnaire with the respondent.  UWSC will be providing portable computers, project study equipment and supplies.

The contract is for a temporary employment agency, or agencies, to help us locate qualified interviewers and to payroll our pool of CAPI interviewers that will be needed outside and inside the State of Wisconsin.  Survey research of this type typically include questions about social background, academic experience, military service, labor market experiences, family characteristics and events, psychological characteristics, health and well-being, and retirement.  The agency or agencies will recruit and pre-screen potential employees who will be further screened, and then trained by UWSC.

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
For Contactor’s employees to be considered, they must:

1.      Have excellent communication skills in English.

2.      Speak English clearly.

3.      Have experience with Microsoft Office and comfortable using laptops and different kinds of software.

4      Be screened for background checks as defined in Section 3.19 and have no prior criminal record.

5.      Be screened for ability to administer simple biological specimen collection and physical measures of study subjects.

6.      Be screened for ability to travel.

7.      Have valid driver’s license.

8.      Submit Notarized Statement of Driving Record, (form at http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/risk_mgt/notary.pdf)

9.      Sign document pledging to maintain study confidentiality.

10.     Be screened for cash handling ability for respondent incentives.

11.     Be able to lift at least 40 pounds for short periods (for carrying equipment, laptop, etc).

We would prefer that the Contractor’s employees:

• Have previous CAPI experience
• Have prior experience in some type of survey research data collection.
• Receive some combination of personal hours and/or health care benefits.

1.      Tobacco Use: Contractors employees shall refrain from using tobacco products while providing CAPI services.

2.      Drugs and Alcohol: All Contractor Employees are prohibited from using controlled substances and/or alcoholic beverages two (2) hours prior or during an interview, nor can they be under the influence while on the job.  Use of controlled substances or alcohol in violation of these restrictions is grounds for termination of contract.

3.      Fraternization: Contractor and Contractor Employees shall not entertain any relationship with of any sort with any State employee or agent unless this contact is necessary for the completion of Contractor’s duties.  Contractor shall notify the State of any existing relationship(s).

4.      Referral and Credentials: Contractor shall refer only staff that are competent and qualified to perform the functions of the assignment. Contractor shall pre-screen staff to ensure that they refer only individuals that have the qualifications necessary to perform the assignment. Contractor shall refer only individuals who are able to read and accept verbal instruction in English.

5.      Replacement: If the University is dissatisfied with the performance of the Contractor’s staff at any time, Contractor shall replace the individual with a qualified replacement within 72 hours. The University’s request for a replacement is not a recommendation to the Contractor to dismiss the individual.  Failure to provide a qualified replacement in the time specified is grounds for termination of the contract.

6.      Payroll Functions:  The Contractor shall be responsible for the payment of all state, Federal, and Social Security taxes. The University shall not withhold or pay on behalf of the Contractor any sums for any reason related to withholds or benefits. All such payments, if any, are the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall hold the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, its officers, employees, and agents, harmless for any and all loss or liability arising from any tax, Social Security payment or benefit, unemployment or worker’s compensation insurance payment, or any payment or payroll withholding required by state or Federal law.

7.      Hours of Work / Holidays: Interviews will be conducted days, nights, and weekends, dependent upon the availability of the person being surveyed.  Contractor is not required to perform services on the following celebrated holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year's Day.

8.      Identification: The University will supply an Identification Card to identify the CAPI staff as members of a University survey project.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Level 1, CAPI Interviewer
General Statement of Duties:  Recruit and interview selected respondents using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) methodology.  Travel to respondent’s home and follow established protocol for administering complex personal interviews on laptops using CASES software. 

Supervision: Works under supervision of UW Survey Center Field Director and CAPI Supervisor who assigns cases, performs quality control, and reviews performance.

Duties:  Contact pre-selected respondents to coordinate interview time.  Travels to respondent’s home, place of business, or other agreed-upon location and conducts in-person interview on laptop.  Collect biosamples according to study guidelines.  Produces regular reports to supervisor to indicate progress.  Transfers completed interviews, biomarkers, and other study materials back to UWSC adhering to our rules of confidentiality.  Appropriately follow study guidelines regarding the treatment of human subjects.  Coordinates schedule with project supervisor so as to work to in an effective, efficient manner in accordance with all project guidelines. 

Qualifications:  Strong organizational skills, able to understand complex oral and written instructions and implement research procedures in an exact manner.  Must be comfortable operating laptop hardware and software and willing to travel for extended periods and be available to work in evenings and weekends.  Must be reliable, responsible, mature and professional, and possess a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to communicate effectively with wide range of individuals.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Level 2, Advanced CAPI Interviewer
General Statement of Duties: Assist Team Leader in coordinating activity and supervising a group of 6-8 CAPI interviewers.  Report regularly on progress of your team to study supervisors.  Recruit and interview selected respondents using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) methodology.  Travel to respondent’s home and follow established protocol for administering complex personal interviews on laptops using CASES software. 

Supervision: Works under supervision of UW Survey Center Field Director and CAPI Supervisor who assigns cases, performs quality control, and reviews performance.

Duties:  Serves as Advanced CAPI Interviewer by traveling to hard-to-find respondents homes in many different neighborhoods and conducting challenging interviews.  Assigned refusals and other difficult cases for conversion and completion.  Contact pre-selected respondents to coordinate interview time.  Travel to respondent’s home, place of business, or other agreed-upon location and conducts in-person interview on laptop.  Collect biosamples according to study guidelines.  Produces regular reports to CAPI Supervisor and other project staff to indicate progress.  Transfers completed interviews, biomarkers, and other study materials back to UWSC adhering to our rules of confidentiality.  Appropriately follow study guidelines regarding the treatment of human subjects.  Coordinates schedule with project supervisor so as to work to in an effective, efficient manner in accordance with all project guidelines. 

Qualifications:  CAPI experience desired.  Strong organizational skills, able to understand complex oral and written instructions and implement research procedures in an exact manner.  Must be comfortable operating laptop hardware and software and willing to travel for extended periods.  Must be reliable, responsible, mature and professional, and possess a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to communicate effectively with wide range of individuals.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Level 3, Team Leader / Specialist CAPI Interviewer Position Description
General Statement of Duties: Either act as Team Leader or Specialist CAPI Interviewer.   As Specialist Interviewer, must have proven track record of experience conducting CAPI surveys.  Experience in interviewing incarcerated persons and collecting data from difficult or hard-to-find populations.  Willing to provide on-the-ground tracking in the form or “cold” knocking on doors to solicit interviews.  Willingness to work in inner city neighborhoods and other areas of low socio-economic class.  The Specialist CAPI Interviewer will be entrusted with some limited types of special interactions with prison wardens and other types of gatekeepers in order to interview participants. As Team Leader, assist CAPI Supervisor and Field Director in coordinating activity and supervising a group of at least 6-8 CAPI interviewers. A Team Leader is distinguished as someone who supervises a group of  interviewers within a field unit.  conducting survey research.    Report regularly on progress of your team to study supervisors.  Recruit and interview selected respondents using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) methodology.  Travel to respondent’s home and follow established protocol for administering complex personal interviews on laptops using CASES software. 

Supervision: Works under supervision of UW Survey Center Field Director and CAPI Supervisor who assigns cases, performs quality control, and reviews performance.

Duties:  Serves as Team Leader by making project assignments and by reviewing work of other interviewers.  Conduct verification interviews for work of other interviewers.  Assigned refusals and other difficult cases for conversion and completion.  Contact pre-selected respondents to coordinate interview time.  Travels to respondent’s home, place of business, or other agreed-upon location and conducts in-person interview on laptop.  Collect biosamples according to study guidelines.  Produces regular reports to CAPI Supervisor and other project staff to indicate progress.  Transfers completed interviews, biomarkers, and other study materials back to UWSC adhering to our rules of confidentiality.  Appropriately follow study guidelines regarding the treatment of human subjects.  Coordinates schedule with project supervisor so as to work to in an effective, efficient manner in accordance with all project guidelines. 

Qualifications:  Previous supervisory experience and survey research experience desired.  Strong organizational skills, able to understand complex oral and written instructions and implement research procedures in an exact manner.  Must be comfortable operating laptop hardware and software and willing to travel for extended periods.  Must be reliable, responsible, mature and professional, and possess a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to communicate effectively with wide range of individuals.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Level 4, Senior Team Leader/ Senior CAPI Interviewer
General Statement of Duties: Either act as Senior CAPI Interviewer or Senior Team Leader.   As Senior Interviewer, must have proven track record of experience conducting CAPI surveys.  Experience in interviewing incarcerated persons and collecting data from difficult or hard-to-find populations.  Willing to provide on-the-ground tracking in the form or “cold” knocking on doors to solicit interviews.  Willingness to work in inner city neighborhoods and other areas of low socio-economic class.  Experience working on studies that require access and handling of confidential documents belonging to participants.  The Senior CAPI Interviewer is distinguished as someone who travels to interview participants above and beyond the travel required at levels 1 thru 3.  The Senior CAPI Interviewer will be entrusted with all types of special interactions with prison wardens and other types of gatekeepers in order to interview participants.
As Senior Team Leader, have previous survey research management experience.  Assist CAPI Supervisor and Field Director in coordinating activity and supervising a group of 6-8 or more CAPI interviewers or supervises interviewers recruiting hard to reach populations.  If a Expert Team Leader is not available, a senior team leader is distinguished as someone who serves as the back-up field supervisor.  If the field supervisor is unavailable or needs support, the senior team leader will have decision-making authority.    Report regularly on progress of your team to study supervisors.  Recruit and interview selected respondents using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) methodology.  Travel to respondent’s home and follow established protocol for administering complex personal interviews on laptops using CASES software.
Supervision: Works under supervision of UW Survey Center Field Director and CAPI Supervisor who assigns cases, performs quality control, and reviews performance.

Duties:  Serves as lead worker by making project assignments and by reviewing work of other interviewers.  Conduct verification interviews for work of other interviewers.  Assigned refusals and other difficult cases for conversion and completion.  Contact pre-selected respondents to coordinate interview time.  Travels to respondent’s home, place of business, or other agreed-upon location and conducts in-person interview on laptop.  Collect biosamples according to study guidelines.  Produces regular reports to CAPI Supervisor and other project staff to indicate progress.  Transfers completed interviews, biomarkers, and other study materials back to UWSC adhering to our rules of confidentiality.  Appropriately follow study guidelines regarding the treatment of human subjects.  Coordinates schedule with project supervisor so as to work to in an effective, efficient manner in accordance with all project guidelines. 

Qualifications:  Previous supervisory experience desired.  Strong organizational skills, able to understand complex oral and written instructions and implement research procedures in an exact manner.  Must be comfortable operating laptop hardware and software and willing to travel for extended periods.  Must be reliable, responsible, mature and professional, and possess a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to communicate effectively with wide range of individuals.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Level 5,  Expert CAPI Interviewer / Expert Team Leader Position Description
General Statement of Duties: Either act as Expert CAPI Interviewer or Expert Team Leader.   As Expert Interviewer, must have proven track record of excellent response rates in survey research, as well as stellar cooperation rates and proven tracking ability of difficult-to-find participants.  Experience in interviewing incarcerated persons and collecting data from difficult or hard-to-find populations.  Willing to provide on-the-ground tracking in the form or “cold” knocking on doors to solicit interviews.  Willingness to work in inner city neighborhoods and other areas of low socio-economic class.  Experience working on studies that require access and handling of confidential documents belonging to participants.  The Expert CAPI Interviewer is distinguished as someone who travels to interview participants above and beyond the travel required at levels 1 thru 4.  The Expert CAPI Interviewer will be entrusted with all types of special interactions with minors, prison wardens and other types of gatekeepers in order to interview participants.
As Expert Team Leader, assist CAPI Supervisor and Field Director in coordinating activity and supervising a group of 6-8 or more CAPI interviewers.  A Expert Team leader is distinguished as someone who serves as the back-up field supervisor.  If the Field Supervisor is unavailable or needs support, the senior team leader will have decision-making authority.    Report regularly on progress of your team to study supervisors.  Recruit and interview selected respondents using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) methodology.  Travel to respondent’s home and follow established protocol for administering complex personal interviews on laptops using CASES software. 

Supervision: Works under supervision of UW Survey Center Field Director and CAPI Supervisor who assigns cases, performs quality control, and reviews performance.

Duties:  Acts as back-up to the Field Supervisor.  Serves as lead worker by making project assignments and by reviewing work of other interviewers.  Conduct verification interviews for work of other interviewers.  Assigned refusals and other difficult cases for conversion and completion.  Contact pre-selected respondents to coordinate interview time.  Travels to respondent’s home, place of business, or other agreed-upon location and conducts in-person interview on laptop.  Collect biosamples according to study guidelines.  Produces regular reports to CAPI Supervisor and other project staff to indicate progress.  Transfers completed interviews, biomarkers, and other study materials back to UWSC adhering to our rules of confidentiality.  Appropriately follow study guidelines regarding the treatment of human subjects.  Coordinates schedule with project supervisor so as to work to in an effective, efficient manner in accordance with all project guidelines. 

Qualifications:  Previous supervisory experience and survey research experience required.  Strong organizational skills, able to understand complex oral and written instructions and implement research procedures in an exact manner.  Must be comfortable operating laptop hardware and software and willing to travel for extended periods.  Must be reliable, responsible, mature and professional, and possess a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to communicate effectively with wide range of individuals.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Revision History