Research Officer

About the role: As a Research Officer with us you will get to initiate and implement manage our new Research and Evaluation Project. The project aims to set up and support a new Research and Evaluation Committee. This cross-organisational committee will be established to oversee and guide research and evaluation initiatives and ensure best practice. Their work will impact policy and practice and influence the future direction and planning of our programs.

Along with Committee members, you will be able to avail yourself of training from the University of Queensland, and undertakes duties such as psychological research, literature reviews, development of survey instruments, data analysis, qualitative data analysis, data interpretation and report writing.

You will also get to support other teams across the organisation by providing advice and support to undertake various quantitative and qualitative research projects.

About the Project Committee: They will undertake a joint research project whereby they will:

• Identify a clear research question
• Seek sector input in evaluation question
• Create a program logic to show how an intervention may make a difference
• Identify appropriate measures to answer the evaluation question
• Share evaluation and findings, both within the organisation and externally with relevant stakeholders.

Hours and location: This is a hybrid role working from home and at head office in Binna Burra. The hours are 14 per week and days are flexible.  The role is funded to 30th June 2025. 

About you: Selection criteria: 

Qualifications and checks

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science or a related discipline
2. Current Driver's Licence, A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Working with Children Check, COVID vaccination and First Aid certificate.

Professional skills and experience

1. At least 12 months experience in a research environment with an understanding of research methodologies in the social sciences
2. Experience with project management in a community services or research environment.
3. The ability to contribute to the development of research and consultation processes including the design, data collection and analysis of data.
4. Demonstrated ability to prepare high quality written materials including reports, briefing papers and correspondence 
5. Significant experience supporting teams to reach goals and managing stakeholders 
6. Demonstrated proficiency using the Microsoft suite, a variety of databases and video conferencing tools such as Zoom/Teams/Health Direct.

What’s in it for you: 

We support our staff with generous work conditions and benefits - whether its ways to make money go further, a great work culture, or opportunities to develop skills. The Buttery’s reward package includes: 

• Flexible working solutions to support work-life balance. We offer the potential to scale your hours up or down over time. 
• Six weeks paid annual leave (pro rata) is provided to spend more time on holiday. 
• Training and career development opportunities. 
• Employee Assistance Program includes access to an online wellbeing platform free to staff and their immediate family. 
• Salary sacrifice benefits allow a 6-12% increase in take home pay. Staff receive an ATO-approved incentive and can access 15,899 of tax-free salary to pay a mortgage, rent, loan, credit card or school fees. 
• A $2,650 meal and accommodation card. 
• The ability to package computer, phone, or novated vehicle lease costs. 

Find out more: For a position description, see https://www.buttery.org.au/employment-opportunities

For any other queries, please contact ***********@buttery.org.au

This role will be remunerated at SCHCDS Level 4.1 $41.52ph with access to salary packaging to potentially increase your take home pay by another 5k.  

How to apply: Please email your resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria above to ***********@buttery.org.au

In your cover letter, please use each of the selection criteria above as a heading and write a brief paragraph under each one addressing it. Unfortunately, applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Applications close: We will be processing applications every few days and will make offers as soon as a suitable applicant is found.

About us: The Buttery is a not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1973.Through residential and community-based programs, we specialise in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependence and mental health conditions. Our programs are evidence-based, best-practice and informed by the latest research into recovery. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we consistently work to improve the lives of the people we support. We operate from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie across Bundjalung, Githabul, Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl, Dunghutti and Birpai lands.

The Buttery recognises the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring, and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and CALD and LGBTIQA+ community members are encouraged to apply. We are proud to have active RAP and Rainbow groups.