Research Associate

Heluna Health•San Francisco, CA

8h•$33 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Heluna Health invites applications for the position of Research in the Center on Substance Use and Health (CSUH) of Population Health Division of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The Center on Substance Use and Health conducts pharmacologic and behavioral interventions and observational studies to maximize the health outcomes of people who use alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, and other substances. We work with people who are actively using substances and focus on meeting their goals related to their substance use, including use reduction, prevention or treatment of infectious diseases, or prevention of drug overdose. We conduct research in a community-based environment in downtown San Francisco, with the facilities and resources needed to perform complex clinical research studies (suite of exam rooms, alarmed pharmacy for medication trials, and on-site CLIA-waived laboratory). We are proud to treat people who use substances with respect and dignity and enjoy a close-knit culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and fun. We are seeking an outgoing, committed, detail-oriented, energetic person to join our study team. This is a temporary, full time, grant-funded, and benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health. Evening work may be required. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered. Pay Range: $32.69-$36.04 per hour

Requirements

BA/BS in related field, or a combination of relevant experience and education.
Interest and ability to learn a wide array of techniques and technologies and to cross-train to support the duties of other staff members.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to diverse communities, particularly communities of color, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community, and substance using populations.
Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills.
High level of attention to detail and ability to handle a variety of tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
Experience with day-to-day calendar management.
Must be comfortable working with substance users and diverse populations in public and private, outdoor and indoor settings such as; HIV clinics, transgender health clinics, behavioral health clinics, community-based organizations, needle exchanges, sex clubs and other environments.
Applicants must also have experience with street-based recruitment (active and passive).
Candidates for the position must be willing to learn a variety of skills related to recruiting and details about our research studies.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with substance users preferred.
Experience with website design (WordPress, Weebly, Squarespace or Wix), development and maintenance experience preferred.
Advanced degree in health/mental health or related field.
Certified phlebotomist.
Certified HIV test counselor.
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
Experience with clinical trials research and/or healthcare settings.
Counseling experience with substance users and/or counseling experience in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition or transmission.
Experience working with challenging participants, or participants with multiple diagnoses.
Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures related to the protection of human subjects and confidentiality.
Any other knowledge and skills useful to this research group is considered a plus (software skills, presentation experience, database knowledge, basic website maintenance, etc.).
Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to racial, ethnic, cultural, and sexual diversity is required.

Responsibilities

Assisting with participant visits for the Behavioral Safety and Fentanyl Education (BSAFE) study, including administration of study surveys and other study visit procedures.
Conducting recruitment activities for all pharmacologic and behavioral interventions and observational trials within our unit.
Support the investigators of this close-knit research team in the conduct of research protocols within the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.
Conduct telephone recruitment, eligibility screening, and data entry.
Manage the scheduling of participant appointments.
Assist in the retention of potential participants during the study phone screening process in REDcap and Access databases and through follow-up, including sending appointment reminders (via call, text and email).
Recruit diverse substance-using participants for all trials currently enrolling.
Meet and/or exceed enrollment goals.
Manage ordering of recruitment supplies, schwag, and other collateral.
Assist in managing relationships and systems through UCSF such as ResearchMatch, MyCharts, CTSI/PRP.
Create, maintain, monitor, and report on social media campaigns used for participant recruitment.
Build and execute geo/other social media strategy on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TiKTok, Blendr, Scruff, Grindr, Jack’d, Adam 4 Adam and BBRT.
Screening potential participants over the phone or in-office, obtaining informed consent.
Conduct study visits with participants following the procedures of the study protocol.
Under the guidance of the study clinicians, conduct laboratory activities, which may include urine drug testing, rapid HIV and HCV testing, phlebotomy, blood processing, and sending blood and urine samples for laboratory tests.
Accurately completing case report forms, setting participants up with surveys, performing quality assurance checks of study documents, entering study data into REDCap or Excel databases, etc.
Assist with other unit studies as needed, including conducting in-depth interviews and surveys.
Other duties as assigned, including coverage for other staff and discrete projects related to ongoing studies within CSUH.