Human Subject Research Specialist I

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

5d•$22 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a TAR Human Subjects Research Coordinator (HSRC1) who will serve as an ‘Engage Coach’ interventionist for research studies to reduce loneliness in older adults. Under the general guidance of the principal investigator (PI), with latitude for exercise of independent judgment, the HSRC will provide Engage Coaching via one-on-one sessions with older adult research participants. The goals of Engage Coaching are bolstering motivation for improving social connection, teaching an intentional and active approach to social interactions and relationships, developing problem solving skills, and engaging in repeated behavioral practice with social behaviors that promote feelings of positive social connection. Each research subject receives up to 10 brief sessions (typically 30 minutes), provided weekly over no more than three months. Sessions are provided via video call or in person based on coach and subject preference. Weekly supervision by the study PI Kim Van Orden—a licensed clinical psychologist—is provided as part of weekly job duties. A coach will carry a caseload of 1 to 3 research subjects at a time. Including sessions, administrative tasks (scheduling, paperwork, travel if required) and supervision, hours per week will range from 3 to 9 hours depending on coach preference and availability of research subjects. The position is for one year, but can continue up to 5 years depending on coach preference and availability of research funds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required or Associate's degree and completion of 6 months in the Human Subject Research Coordinator Trainee program required
Equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a Phlebotomist preferred
Word processing and data analysis software preferred
Experience providing services to or conducting research with older adults preferred.
Comfort with video calls (Zoom) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide Engage Coaching Intervention: Along with direct supervision and guidance, provides clinical judgment to provide a behavioral intervention called Engage Coaching.
Utilize advanced training in psychotherapy and coaching combined with clinical judgment to effectively convey necessary information about the intervention and ensure participant’s comprehension intervention.
Utilize interpersonal skills, clinical knowledge, and clinical judgment to develop and maintain rapport, encourage personal disclosure of sensitive material, and follow ethical principles to maintain participant well-being and safety.
Apply advanced clinical reasoning to provide appropriate support, information, and referrals (when needed) to participants in distress.
Data Management for Coaching Sessions: Maintain security of study data and follow the study protocol for confidentiality and storage of data.
Present participation information at weekly meetings with the PI to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants.
Administrative tasks: Schedule weekly appointments for coaching sessions via phone and/or email as desired by participant and provide reminders.
Document session content and missed sessions in the study tracking database and inform the study Clinical Research Coordinator of progress in completing sessions.
Record sessions using the IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant procedures and notify study coordinator when recordings are available.
Supervision and ongoing training: Actively participate in weekly supervision with Dr. Van Orden and other coaches to ensure high quality coaching is provided.
Review written feedback provided by Dr. Van Orden to enhance the quality of Engage Coaching provided to subjects.
Regularly review Engage Coaching interventionist and participant manual to refresh knowledge of the intervention, as well as supplemental readings as provided/suggested.