Heluna Health and the Community Health and Implementation Research Program at RTI International seek a Community-Based Research Assistant to participate in multiple aspects of a community-based research study about drug use and harm reduction services in San Francisco, CA.

The Research Assistant will assist with the following:

1. Recruitment of study participants in street and community settings across San Francisco
2. Locating and securing field sites for data collection across San Francisco
3. Building relationships with community organizations and creating environments of care, respect, and safety for community members participating in the research
4. Working collaboratively with the Project Coordinator to set up and break down study field sites, manage study participant flow, and run daily operations of the study field sites, as needed
5. Conducting quantitative surveys with study participants in English and Spanish, as needed
6. Providing interested study participants with referrals to health and social services, as needed

This is a 50%-time position (20 hours per week) with some potential hours on weekends, early mornings, and evenings. Study operating hours will vary during the study period. The current workdays include Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with hours varying by day from 8am to 5pm.

Work will be conducted at multiple community field sites and during street outreach (indoors and outdoors) in San Francisco neighborhoods that are impacted by high levels of drug use. Work will require some travel.

We are seeking a flexible and detail-oriented person with strong interpersonal skills, extensive (paid or volunteer) experience with harm reduction, trauma informed practices, and outreach and engagement with people who are homeless, use drugs, and/or have mental health concerns.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 per hour.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Locate and secure field sites for data collection across the San Francisco Bay Area (requires travel)

Build relationships with community organizations where data can be collected

Recruit and refer eligible study participants to the study field sites (requires travel)

• Conduct street-based participant engagement
• Provide information and answer questions about the research in street and community settings

As needed, work collaboratively with Project Coordinator on participant flow, hospitality, and scheduling at field sites

• Assist Project Coordinator with set up and break down of field sites (requires travel)
• Contribute to creating an environment of welcome, respect, care, and safety for community members participating in the research at field sites through harm reduction and trauma informed practices

As needed, conduct structured, quantitative interviews with study participants in English and Spanish

• Operate computerized data collection program (CAPI) on a laptop computer and tablet

As needed, provide referrals to study participants

Other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• One (1) year experience working with marginalized populations, such as people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience conducting community-based outreach in urban environments to people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with mental health concerns
• Familiarity with the practice and principles of harm reduction
• Fluent in Spanish, strongly preferred
• One (1) year experience in quantitative data collection and using computerized data collection programs, preferred
• One (1) year experience working on community-based research projects, preferred
• Experience with motivational interviewing / counseling, preferred
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Background clearance required
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation to carry out job-related essential functions

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Knowledge of local San Francisco resources (housing, employment, food, etc.)
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgment
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to de-escalate potentially volatile situations
• Familiarity with street/substance using social settings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Frequently

Driving Frequently

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

Temporary field sites such as community centers and churches as well as mobile and street (outdoor) locations in San Francisco, CA.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

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.