Social Science​/Humanities Research Professional; Part-Time Texas Institute Child and Family Wellbeing

Position: Social Science/Humanities Research Professional (Part-Time) (Hourly) - Texas Institute for Child and Family Wellbeing
Job Posting

Title:

Social Science/Humanities Research Professional (Part-Time) (Hourly) - Texas Institute for Child and Family Wellbeing

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- Hiring Department:

Office of the Associate Dean for Research

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- Position Open To:

All Applicants

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- Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

20

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- FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt from FLSA

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- Earliest

Start Date:

May 08, 2026

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- Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Sep 30, 2027

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- Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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- Job Details:

General Notes

This is a grant-funded position and reassignment will be based upon performance, progress toward research goals and continuation of funding. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Ability to work remotely within the state of Texas.

Purpose

This position will serve as a Youth Network Specialist (YNS), using lived experience to advise the Texas Foster Youth Network (TXFYN) and support the design of a centralized call center where youth transitioning out of foster care can access resources and peer support.

Responsibilities

* Serve as a lived-experience advisor to ensure the Texas Foster Youth Network (TXFYN) remains youth-centered, trauma-informed, and accessible. Offer insight on project design, policies, and services to ensure they reflect the needs and experiences of youth who have been in the Texas foster care system.

* Collaborate with Texas Foster Youth Network (TXFYN) staff to review and outreach materials, communications, website content, and training plans to ensure messaging is relevant, accessible, and reflective of youth voices across Texas.

* Participate in weekly Youth Network Specialist meetings and periodic Advisory Board sessions to share insights, offer recommendations, and support project planning with Texas Foster Youth Network (TXFYN) leadership and partners.

* Test and provide feedback on the online referral system and project tools to ensure they are accessible, user-friendly, and easy for youth to navigate.

* Represent youth perspectives in meetings and discussions with community partners and stakeholders, as appropriate.

* Participate in mentorship, reflective supervision, and professional development opportunities through Texas Foster Youth Network (TXFYN) to build leadership, advocacy, and professional skills.

Required Qualifications

Lived experience in the foster care system. Interest in improving systems and services for youth in foster care and those transitioning out of foster care. Excellent attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Values the contributions of others in the work environment. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Willingness to learn new skills related to research, outreach, and leadership. Experience in leadership, advocacy, or peer support roles. Bilingual in English and Spanish (verbal and written).

Salary Range

$20-$25/hr - depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

* May work around standard office conditions

* Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

* Ability to work remotely within the state of Texas

Work Shift

* M-F, Flexible between 8am-6pm

Required Materials

* Resume/CV

* 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

* Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:
You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.

Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:
As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application.

The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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- Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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