Professor Shaefer's research focuses on the effectiveness of the U.S. social safety net in serving low-wage workers and economically disadvantaged families. He has published articles on low-wage work and U.S social policy. His recent work explores barriers to unemployment insurance faced by vulnerable workers, including less-educated single mothers, and the effects of expanded public health insurance eligibility for children and families. Professor Shaefer is further interested in nonprofit management, especially the economics of social service administration. He has significant nonprofit program management experience and has served as board president for a public foundation and an education nonprofit. He has published on executive nonprofit leadership with Professor John Tropman.