Community-Based Research Assistant, MOON Study (RTI) - Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00 per hour.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

SUMMARY

Heluna Health and the Community Health and Implementation Research Program at RTI International seek a Community-Based Research Assistant to participate in multiple aspects of a community-based research study about drug use and harm reduction services in San Francisco, CA.

RTI International – MOON Study (0997)

Work will be conducted at multiple community field sites and during street outreach (indoors and outdoors) in San Francisco neighborhoods that are impacted by high levels of drug use. Work will require some travel and driving to transport supplies to field sites and conduct outreach activities.

This is a 50%-time position (20 hours per week) with some potential hours on weekends, early mornings, and evenings. Study operating hours will vary during the study period. The current workdays include Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with hours varying by day from 8am to 5pm. The study entails approximately 4 years of data collection. We are currently 7 months into data collection.

We are seeking a flexible and detail-oriented person with strong interpersonal skills, extensive (paid or volunteer) experience with harm reduction, trauma informed practices, and outreach and engagement with people who are homeless, use drugs, and/or have mental health concerns.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00 per hour.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Community Outreach

• Build relationships with community organizations where data can be collected
• Recruit and refer eligible study participants to the study field sites
• Conduct street-based participant engagement
• Share research information and field questions in street and community settings

Field Site Coordination

• Identify and secure field sites for data collection across the San Francisco Bay Area
• Collaborate with Project Coordinator on participant flow, hospitality, and scheduling at field sites as needed
• Assist Project Coordinator with set up and break down of field sites
• Contribute to creating an environment of welcome, respect, care, and safety for community members participating in the research at field sites through harm reduction and trauma informed practices

Data Collection

• Conduct structured, quantitative interviews with study participants
• Operate computerized data collection program (CAPI) on a laptop computer and tablet
• Providing interested study participants with referrals to health and social services as needed

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience working with marginalized populations, such as people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness
• Two (2) years of experience conducting community-based outreach in urban environments to people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with mental health concerns
• Familiarity with the practice and principles of harm reduction
• One (1) year of experience in quantitative data collection using computerized data collection programs preferred
• One (1) year of experience working on community-based research projects preferred
• Experience with motivational interviewing/counseling preferred

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Background clearance required
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must be willing to use personal vehicle when needed to transport supplies to field sites and conduct outreach activities
• Fluent in Spanish strongly preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Knowledge of local San Francisco resources (i.e., housing, employment, food, etc.)
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to de-escalate potentially volatile situations
• Familiarity with street/substance using social settings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling / Fingering Frequently
Driving Frequently
Reach Outward Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See Constantly
Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Temporary field sites such as community centers and churches as well as mobile and street (outdoor) locations in San Francisco, CA.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)