Patient Care Technician I - Clinical Research

CenExel • Anaheim, CA

14d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician I supports research participants during inpatient stays in a clinical research unit. The role assesses psychosocial and case-management needs, assists participants with activities of daily living and practical needs, supports adherence to study protocols, and helps coordinate discharge planning and access to community services. The technician works with participants, clinical staff, families, care providers, and external agencies while following study protocols and applicable clinical research standards.

This is a full-time, on-site position in an indoor clinic environment, scheduled for 40 hours per week from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The employee must be able to work weekends and must be available for an AM shift during the first 2–3 weeks of training. The hourly range is $20.00–$21.00, with an additional $1.50 per hour differential after 90 days; compensation depends on education, experience, and skillset. Full-time employees become eligible for the stated benefits package after 30 days of employment.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• At least 6 months of experience in the healthcare field.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong team- and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to resolve conflict effectively and cope with crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff.
• Ability to multitask, with meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge and skill in techniques of good clinical judgment.
• Team-oriented approach and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to work weekends and an AM shift during the first 2–3 weeks of training.
• Ability to perform the essential physical activities of sitting, typing, standing, and walking, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to report to work as scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Assess research participants’ current psychosocial needs and identify case-management needs.
• Observe and report personality or behavior changes in subjects to the charge person or charge nurse.
• Interact with clients to assist with problem solving and de-escalate subjects who become upset or belligerent.
• Communicate appropriately with subjects while assisting with activities of daily living and providing cigarette breaks when permitted by the protocol.
• Provide meals and snacks as allowed by the study and ensure subjects follow protocol-specific dietary and smoking restrictions.
• Assist with meal preparation, ordering, choices, and delivery as needed.
• Assist subjects with laundry and housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Perform nightly room and equipment checks.
• Assist with dispensing medications when properly certified and as instructed by a physician or Medication Administration Record.
• Communicate with a physician in person or by phone regarding PRN or STAT medication changes as needed.
• Assist clients with discharge planning and completing discharge summaries.
• Verify discharge information and medications, arrange follow-up appointments, and inform treatment providers, care providers, family, and referral sources of discharge.
• Coordinate transportation for discharge and off-unit appointments, and keep calendars updated.
• Assist clients with miscellaneous needs, including paying bills, contacting probation officers, obtaining items for activities of daily living, and obtaining clothing.
• Coordinate, supervise, and document family meetings and case-manager visits to the clinical research unit.
• Assist with applications for healthcare coverage, Social Security, and food stamps.
• Build relationships with representatives of other agencies to help participants access housing, mental health care, medication, medical resources, financial assistance, legal advocacy, and other services.
• Develop and manage weekly groups for inpatient clients focused on psychosocial needs.
• Update the database upon discharge from the clinical research unit or study termination, ensuring participant information is accurate and current.
• Support and ensure adherence to FDA Code of Federal Regulations, ICH, Good Clinical Practices, CenExel standard operating procedures, site working practices, study protocols, and company guidelines and policies.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED