Social Issues Researcher (Full Time-8 weeks contract)
Job Title: Social Issues Researcher
Department: Community Development and Social Research
Reports To: Manager, Social Planning and Research
Hours of Work: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 458 Fairall Street, Unit 4
Application Deadline: May 5, 2026
The Social Issues Researcher will contribute to the operations of the Community Development Department by disseminating, analyzing data and research findings. The successful applicant will be responsible for upholding CDCD’s mission and effective implementation of our social planning operating principles.
Company Overview
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.
- Using client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, staff and volunteers.
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, staff, volunteers and clients
- Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
- Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
- Become familiar with the agency's mission and activities.
- Accept guidance and direction from members of the Community Development department for assistance with tasks.
- Support the dissemination of social research findings.
- Review publicly available data sets and assist with writing reports.
- Attend and actively contribute to team and agency-wide meetings and events.
- Learn about the capabilities of AI and how it can assist with research activities
- Meet with supervisor weekly to discuss work and receive mentoring.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education or working towards a degree or diploma in social work, social services, or social sciences or other applicable field or high school diploma or working towards diploma with volunteer or work experience.
- Experience analyzing data and writing reports.
- Experience working as part of and making positive contributions to a team.
- Comfortable in public speaking and superior presentation skills
- Written and oral fluency in English and proficiency in a second language preferred.
Mandatory Requirements
- Age: Must be 15 to 30 years old at the beginning of the employment period
- Status: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Authorization: Must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be legally entitled to work in Canada according to provincial/territorial legislation.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- The successful candidate must provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening
This job posting relates to an open vacancy. The recruitment process does not involve artificial intelligence or automated decision-making. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are conducted by human reviewers.