"Research Assistant 1"

Overview

The Research Assistant will primarily work as a Hepatitis C (HCV) Patient Navigator in an outreach or community based setting. The HCV Navigator will primarily work on the Community Health Care Van's grant funded program (COMPASS) for the testing, treatment, and cure of hepatitis C. The HCV Navigator will recruit, enroll, and consent participants who are at risk for HCV (people with a history of injection drug use).

The HCV Navigator will be trained to conduct the HCV RNA point of care test using the Cepheid GeneXpert technology. The test involves using a lancet to perform a finger stick to collect a blood sample. The HCV navigator will perform rapid HIV testing concurrently. During the testing visit the HCV Navigator will conduct other standardized assessments as part of a syndemic screening tool, including a depression screening, a health related social needs assessment, and screening for substance use. The HCV Navigator will educate participants on HCV treatment and counsel patients about results. For participants with a positive HCV RNA result, the HCV Navigator will connect participants with a phlebotomist or lab for bloodwork, connect the participant to the CHCV medical provider for same day treatment, and assist with ordering HCV medications for treatment, and register new and existing patients into the electronic medical record.

The HCV Navigator will also provide adherence support, including directly observed therapy as needed. The HCV Navigator will also connect the client to mental health and substance use treatment services as needed, and provide case management support for other needs. The HCV Navigator may also conduct STI screening, pregnancy tests, and assessments for cirrhosis with participants. The HCV Navigator can be trained in phlebotomy if desired.

The position will also provide overdose and infectious disease prevention education. Outreach and testing may be done on the mobile unit, the clinical storefront, or outreach partner settings. The HCV Navigator will contribute to other CHCV projects including community clean up of syringe litter, naloxone distribution, vending machine stocking, welcoming clients at the front desk, and organizing the Community Advisory Board.

The HCV Navigator will provide connection to peer and health supportive incentives. Creates collaborative case management plan and provides care coordination and navigation, including scheduling follow-up HCV and other medical and project visits, assists participants in attending wrap-around service visits. Assists clients with working towards identified health goals, such as PrEP initiation, treatment initiation, or continuation of medications for substance use disorders or mental illness, and wound care initiation and follow-up.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Trained in HIV/HCV testing and counseling and medical case management. Proven experience with Electronic Health Record, Microsoft Office Suite, and REDCap helpful.
2. Ability to maintain a non judgmental approach with participants, create a helpful and welcoming environment. Proven experience with people served by Community Health Care Van: people with serious mental illness, homelessness, substance use disorder, people with HIV and / or hepatitis C. Knowledge of local community. Must be willing to work in a mobile or outreach setting in New Haven and surrounding areas.
3. Knowledge of medications for the treatment of HCV and substance use disorders.
4. Organized, self-motivated team player, with the ability and willingness to be hands-on and solve problems as they arise.
5. Knowledge of grant funded programs and clinical research.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Proven experience in infectious disease and overdose prevention, outreach, and / or clinical case management.
2. At least 3 years of experience in a health related program.
3. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly preferred.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.
2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports.
3. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities.
4. Recruits study participants and ensures that subject recruitment and follow-up are completed per protocol procedures.
5. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May assist research and support staff.
6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.