Job Description

Heluna Health invites applications for the position of Research Associate in the Center on Substance Use and Health (CSUH) of Population Health Division of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

This is a temporary, grant-funded, full-time, benefitted position with non-standard work hours (may require work during evening hours). This position may include weekend/holiday hours or shifts to provide for coverage of essential duties. This time would be included as part of the regular work schedule and would be planned in coordination with the Program Manager. Work will be performed primarily in office, clinical, and community settings.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

Pay range: $28.88- $30.05 per hour.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date, or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

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 fields of HIV prevention and substance use.

The research associate will primarily work on one or both of the following studies:

1. Naltrexone for Overdose Prevention – A randomized controlled trial of naltrexone as an overdose prevention strategy for people who use stimulants and are at risk or living with HIV. Participants will be randomized to receive monthly injections of long-acting injectable naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) or usual care over six months of follow-up.
2. Ketamine-assisted Therapy for Methamphetamine Use Disorder – A pilot trial of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder and HIV risk reduction. Participants will receive ketamine and manualized psychotherapy over 5 weeks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support the investigators of this close-knit research team in the conduct of research protocols within the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.
• Responsible for screening potential participants over the phone or in-office, obtaining informed consent.
• Proactively manage participant schedules and retain participants through phone calls, emails/texts, and in-person follow-ups over the course of the study.
• 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.
• May provide HIV/STI risk reduction counseling, overdose prevention, or medication management counseling using a manualized cognitive behavioral model and the principles of harm reduction.
• 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.
• Support the development of study operations protocols (SOPs) in close collaboration with Program Manager.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health/mental health or related field.
• 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.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand Frequently
• Walk Frequently
• Sit Frequently
• Handling / Fingering Occasionally
• Reach outwardly 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work will be performed primarily in office, clinical, and community settings.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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