Heluna Health invites applications for a Research Associate position in the Center for Public Health Research (CPHR) at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. CPHR is a research unit that engages in a wide range of public health research including studies of populations at high risk for HIV infection. CPHR has developed methods and strategies for tracking the HIV epidemic that have been used locally and around the globe since the 1980s. The CPHR Investigators are global leaders in the epidemiology of HIV infection, HIV research training methods, and informing HIV prevention approaches.

In this role, the Research Associate will support social epidemiological research within CPHR with a focus on people who use drugs. The Research Associate will receive training and experience in various aspects of conducting epidemiological studies with populations most affected by HIV and disease areas with high health disparities in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong organizational and interpersonal skills to navigate between different protocols and timelines. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with people in the community and have some knowledge of principles of harm reduction and/or HIV. The Research Associate will assist with locating participants through various retention methods, survey interviewing in long and short form, HIV and HCV rapid testing, providing health education, and scheduling participant appointments. The work schedule will include afternoons, evenings, and weekends to meet the needs of study participants. Opportunities for exposure to public health research and engagement in harm reduction training will be offered.

This is a temporary, in person, grant-funded, full-time, benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

This is an in person position

Pay Rate: $27.43 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Study Activities
• Conduct study interviews, educate potential participants about the study, obtain informed consent, and schedule participant appointments
• Conduct interviews in-person, by phone and on the street
• Engage in and develop creative strategies for locating participants for follow-up through various retention methods
• Maintain and document outreach and recruitment metrics daily with attention to accuracy
• Engage with internal colleagues in our building, at the SFDPH and external community-based organization stakeholders
• Provide linkage to and appropriate referrals for health and social services in the San Francisco Bay Area

Other Responsibilities
• Contribute to other Center for Public Health Research projects, as needed
• Perform other office duties

Education/Experience/Licenses
• Desired experience and/or training in public health and/or epidemiological research, including one or more of the following areas: conducting survey interviews, human subjects research, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining confidential records in a research environment, and conduct of social and behavioral research. Training will be provided.
• HIV test counseling certification is preferred but not required. Training will be provided.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of, sensitivity to, and experience working with diverse communities. Experience working in harm reduction settings is a plus.
• Willingness to conduct outreach and street survey intercepts out in the community
• Strong commitment to effective communication and interpersonal interactions
• Organized and detailed oriented to meet specifics of research protocols
• Knowledge of San Francisco and Oakland’s community-based organizations and service providers preferred
• Fluency in Spanish a plus
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling / Finger Sticking Occasionally
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
General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

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

All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.