Research Associate

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

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Research Associate will be responsible for a wide variety of duties and projects related to behavioral and pharmacologic studies in the field of substance use.

Research Aspect: Assisting with participant visits for the Behavioral Safety and Fentanyl Education (BSAFE) study. The BSAFE study is evaluating a behavioral counseling intervention to prevent accidental fentanyl overdose among individuals who use stimulants (methamphetamine or cocaine). In this role, the Research Associate will assist with the administration of study surveys to participants and other study visit procedures.

Recruitment Aspect: Conducting recruitment activities for all pharmacologic and behavioral interventions and observational trials within our unit.

Special Requirements: 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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
• Requires a flexible schedule that will range from daytime, weekend and evening hours
• Responsible for 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.
• Other administrative tasks including 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.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
• Previous experience working with substance users preferred
• Experience with website design (WordPress, Weebly, Squarespace or Wix), development and maintenance experience preferred

Desired Qualifications

• 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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Constantly

Reach outwardly Occasionally

Reach above shoulder Frequently

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.