Research Intern- The Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI)

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, human-centered design, and problem-solving related to homelessness and the grand challenges of social work.

Essential Functions

Project-Based Innovation & Design Support:

• Contribute to active CARI projects (e.g., shelter redesign, service delivery innovation, robotics in care settings, anti-trafficking integration)
• Support design sprints, prototyping sessions, and rapid testing cycles
• Assist in developing journey maps, service blueprints, personas, and design artifacts
• Participate in brainstorming and co-creation sessions focused on systems change

Human-Centered Research and Data Analysis:

• Conduct literature reviews on homelessness, mental health, and substance use and other grand challenges of social work to inform innovation efforts.
• Support staff with conducting design labs, 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 new pilots, programs, and scalable solutions 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 CARI designers, researchers, policymakers, and community partners to ensure the applicability of research findings
• Participate in team meetings to share insights and progress updates
• Assist with presentation development, storytelling, and visual communication
• Provide research and coordination support across multiple concurrent projects

Administrative and Outreach Support:

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

Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Core Competencies

Human-Centered Design Mindset: Curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to designing with people, not for them

Innovative & Systems Thinking: Ability to navigate ambiguity and work as a team to generate creative, evidence-informed solutions to complex social challenges such as homelessness and co-occurring disorders.

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.

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.

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.