THE APPLICATION
What is my candidate reference number?
The candidate reference number is sent via email once the electronic application is submitted. You need this number for the entire application process. If you have misplaced it, please email TRCjobs@westat.com.
How do I update my email or phone number?
If you have created a user name and password, you may login to the system and update your contact information at any time.
I haven't heard from anyone in several weeks. When should I contact you?
You will be contacted by us within a week of the successful completion of each step in the application. If it has been longer than a week since you completed the last application step and you have not received an email from us, please send an email to TRCjobs@westat.com.
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WHAT IS A TELEPHONE DATA COLLECTOR?
A telephone Data Collector:
· reads prepared questions and record information from a survey respondent. Data collectors record information in accordance with their training on that specific project. They are expected to follow standard data collection protocol and all project-specific procedures.
· establishes rapport, follows a script as a conversation, and completes surveys with selected respondents.
· has intermediate/moderate computing skills – can easily navigate between multiple screens, can troubleshoot basic error messages/issues, has moderate keyboarding skills.
· is able to work a minimum of 20 hours a week – primarily evening and/or weekend hours. Day hours are available but on a very limited basis.
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EQUIPMENT
What kind of equipment will I need?
You
will need a reliable Windows-based
PC (not Mac or Apple) with at least Windows 10 as the
operating system. This computer will need to be in a room that is private and
secure during your work hours. The computer will need to be wired to the
Internet (not wireless) and you will need a wired telephone connection (VOIP
and/or digital voice services are permitted), a corded phone, and a hands-free
corded headset. You may use your cell phone as long
as the phone remains connected to a power source (plugged in) while working. If using your cell phone the headset must also be corded
and connected to the phone (Bluetooth headphones/earphones are not permitted).
You will also need a
printer and a web cam that has video and audio functionality.
What will happen if I have computer problems?
Westat does not provide support for problems with your computer system, and you will need to take your computer to your local computer service center. If you are experiencing problems with Westat interviewing, training, or work-related software, and you are an employee, you will be able to email our computer personnel.
Can I use wireless Internet to work?
No. Please connect your PC directly to your modem or router.
Why can't I use a satellite Internet?
Satellite signals are not reliable for data submission in real time.
Does Westat reimburse for equipment?
Westat does not reimburse for computers, accessories, or software.
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TRAINING
How will I be notified of trainings?
Notification will occur via our Scheduling Website an email notification will be sent from TRCSQL1_APPL1@westat.com to the data collector's email on file. Because some emails roll to junk or spam, these folders should be monitored as well.
How will I be trained?
Westat uses web-based training and teleconferences to train data collectors.
If I can't attend a training, will I be called again?
If selected for employment, you will be invited to train based on the hours of availability you provided. If you are not available to train, you may be asked to train up to two more times before we will assume that you are no longer interested in pursuing employment.
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WORKING
How will I be notified of work?
You will be notified via email.
Do I get to choose the study I want to work on?
No. Westat does not currently allow data collectors to request to work on specific projects. Projects are staffed according to our business needs. Data collectors are selected for a particular project based on their availability, skill set, and the project's needs.
Why can't I start work right away?
The hiring process has multiple steps which must be completed before you can begin working.
What happens if I need help while working?
Westat has staff available through instant messenger and email that can help with work-related problems or questions.
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PAY
How much are data collectors typically paid?
Financial compensation for TRC data collectors is based on three criteria: performance, skills, and hours of work. A specific study may pay a special rate based on the special needs of that project. However, the special rate is for that study only and will not be maintained if the data collector moves to other studies.
Westat pays for training. This pay is based on a data collector's hourly rate and the number of hours allotted for the training. You must record your time accurately for all hours that you spend performing your assigned tasks. It is a serious offense to record time inaccurately and may result in termination of employment.
How soon will I be paid?
Westat paychecks are issued on Fridays for the prior week (Monday-Sunday). To be paid on time, data collectors must submit correctly completed timesheets by Sunday midnight EST for work done during the previous week. Taking advantage of direct deposit will allow for the quickest payment.
Will taxes be taken out of my paycheck?
Yes, as a Westat employee you will have payroll taxes deducted based on your bracket and your state of residence.
Do I get overtime?
Overtime hours are never scheduled. However, if in extenuating circumstances you work overtime, Westat will always abide by applicable overtime laws and regulations.
Do I get paid extra on nights and weekends?
Yes. There is a night differential that begins after 9 p.m. in your time zone and a weekend differential for all weekend hours worked.
Does Westat pay for training?
Yes. You will be paid for the allocated hours set for the training.
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SCHEDULE
How will my schedule be determined?
Data collectors are sent a weekly notice as to when they are permitted to begin the schedule registration process for the upcoming work week. Upon notification, they are permitted to register for shifts within the project’s hours of operation. These entries will appear as pending upon submission until such time that they are reviewed and given the Schedule Approved Status. Final schedules are available after 2 p.m. on Friday.
What if I have to take days off or my hours of availability change?
The schedule web site contains an Available Hours page. This page should always contain a data collector's current information in regards to the hours he or she is available to work. As overall availability changes, the data collector should update this page.
If a data collector needs certain days off, he or she should simply not schedule themselves for those days. If the need occurs after the schedule has been finalized, the data collector should follow standard call-off procedures. If the need for time off is long term, issues of this nature should be directed to the Data Collector Advisor in advance.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE
All work is to be performed in accordance with the Data Collector Code of Conduct and the specific procedures established by the TRC. It is unethical and fraudulent to submit any work represented as data that was not collected from sample respondents. Any violation may result in termination of employment and may violate U.S. Government laws regarding scientific integrity. A violation may also lead to other actions by Westat, such as court action and claims for monetary damages.
Monitoring
To ensure quality, Westat monitors the work of TRC data collectors by listening on the line while the data collection activities are in progress. The results of these quality assurance procedures are routinely used by team leaders to counsel and evaluate data collectors. Monitoring is conducted only by individuals authorized by the manager of the TRC. Westat also employs unannounced visits to your home office and web cam monitoring to ensure workspace requirements are being met. Consent to quality assurance and workspace audit activities is required to be considered for employment.
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TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Your employment relationship with Westat is an “at will” relationship, meaning that you and Westat have voluntarily entered into a working relationship and both have the right to end the relationship at any time for no reason or for any reason that is not illegal. If Westat finds it necessary to terminate your employment, we will do so by verbal or written notice to you. Westat will pay for all authorized services performed up to the termination date.
Voluntary Resignation
If you decide to terminate your employment with Westat, please give either verbal or written notice to your Data Collector Advisor at least 2 weeks before the date on which you plan to stop work.
Termination
Your employment may be terminated by Westat:
-When your assignment ends;
-If Westat’s project with sponsors is changed or terminated; or
-If your job is discontinued due to budget limitations or other business considerations.
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CONTACTING US
Why can't I reach a person at Westat on the phone?
We have found it more efficient to respond to questions via email. Sometimes we may seek to reach you via telephone.
Why doesn't anyone get right back to me when I email?
Our staff members receive hundreds of email a day and will answer them in the order which they were received. In some cases a staff member may be checking on the answer to your question. Please be patient and remember that most of our offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours EST.
What should I include in my emails to get answers more quickly?
Please include your name, candidate reference number, and phone number, as well as a short, concise message.
How do I update my contact information?
Sign into your applicant account and change your information there. If you are between projects, fill out the change of information form.
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