Court Watch Research Assistant

Court Watch Research Assistant 

Job description for Spokane Community Against Racism

Our Mission is to identify and address racial disparities through a variety of community efforts which include education, advocacy, research, community engagement, policy impact, and challenges to the existing organizations and structures.

Our work is guided by a cohesive, supportive, and diverse steering committee. We recognize our shared humanity and commit in the following ways to neither harm a member nor see a member harmed:

• Use an intersectional racial equity lens in all of our work.
• Call each other in, not out, when we make mistakes.
• Use decision making processes that engage our diverse community.

Overview:

The Court Watch Research Assistant will be responsible for monitoring court proceedings and documenting human rights abuses in Spokane, Washington with the assistance of volunteers. The assistant will report to the Court Watch Coordinator and work closely with them to ensure that court proceedings are transparent and that the rights of all parties are protected.

Responsibilities:

• Attend court hearings to observe and document proceedings.
• Compile data in the form of field notes, post-observation summaries, and other related forms/documents.
• Track outcomes of cases and specific officials.
• Assist in identifying any existing or emerging patterns and trends.
• Assisting in preparation of reports to share data with others.
• Assist, on an as-needed basis, with court record research, court calendar/docket compiling, data clean-up, data analysis, and research.
• Working with the team to adjust protocol and methodology as needed.
• Complete other project support tasks as-needed

Requirements:

• Must be a student that is currently enrolled in a local university.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of community leaders, volunteers  and members.
• Willingness to learn about human rights law, court procedures, and the local legal system.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability and willingness to comply with confidentiality and data sharing agreements.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and be a part of a team.

Preferred skills and experience: 

• Directly impacted by issues SCAR works on. 
• Technically proficient with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms etc.).
• Studies are focused in a related field (Sociology, Social Work, Law, Criminal Justice, etc.)
• Completed coursework in research methods or related subjects. 

SCAR culture: 

SCAR’s work culture is open and based on trusting, respectful, authentic relationships. We honor and respect each other’s lived experience, not just professional experience. We care about the community and world, our organization, members, and mission; we care about the work, the issues, and impacted people. We are fueled by love and outrage! Our organizational culture is based on these shared beliefs and values: 

• Change is fundamental. 
• We have an expectation for learning and progress. 
• We take risks in service of our values. 
• We share losses and victories. 
• We do not have internal competition. 
• We have strong relationships and a strong team. 
• We support and encourage self-care. 
• We enact conscious use of self. 

The Court Watch Research Assistant reports to the Court Watch Coordinator; position is part-time, hourly. Target start date of January 5th, 2026.
 

Compensation range: 

$18-$20/hr for 10hrs per week. 

To apply:

Please send an email with why you feel you'd be a good fit and your resume, with subject line “Application: SCAR Court Watch Research Assistant” to evee@scarspokane.org.

Application deadline: December 5, 2025 or until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.