"Research Assistant 2"

Overview

The Research Assistant 2 will primarily work as a Hepatitis C (HCV) Patient Navigator 2 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 2 will participate in the planning, implementation, and execution of recruitment, enrollment, and consent participants who are at risk for HCV (people with a history of injection drug use). The HCV Navigator 2 will work closely with the CHCV clinicians to plan the outreach schedule of locations and will contact sites in the New Haven area.

The HCV Navigator 2 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 2 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 2 will educate participants on HCV treatment and counsel patients about results. For participants with a positive HCV RNA result, the HCV Navigator 2 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 2 will maintain an ongoing list of patients and will present patients for Case Conference meetings.

The HCV Navigator 2 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 2 may also conduct STI screening, pregnancy tests, and assessments for cirrhosis with participants. The HCV Navigator 2 can be trained in phlebotomy if desired.

The position will also oversee the delivery of overdose and infectious disease prevention education. The HCV Navigator may work on other CHCV projects and provide clinical care as needed. Outreach and testing may be done on the mobile unit, the clinical storefront, or outreach partner settings.

The HCV Navigator 2 will serve as the point of contact when conducting outreach with the HCV Navigator 1 and the recovery support worker. They will also oversee the ordering and distribution of 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.

The HCV Navigator 2 will closely monitor and support participants through HCV treatment from enrollment to SVR 12, advocating for participants, and contacting participants weekly through treatment for adherence checks; and will connect participants to the recovery support worker as needed. The HCV Navigator will work closely with the team to track all HCV participants, will document patient information accurately, will attend weekly COMPASS and CHCV meetings and case conferences, and will maintain a professional relationship with health care providers and community agencies.

The HCV Navigator 2 may provide guidance to the HCV Navigator 1 and Recovery support coach, and other outreach workers at COMPASS sites. The HCV Navigator 2 may assist in developing training and will participate in Quality Assurance activities. The HCV Navigator 2 may perform other duties if needed. The HCV Navigator 2 will travel regularly to area sites as needed for collaboration with community partners. Travel as needed for Learning Collaboratives and SAMHSA meetings.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Trained in HIV/HCV testing and counseling and medical case management. Experience with Electronic Health Record, Microsoft Office Suite, and REDCap helpful. Ability to guide staff in testing, counseling, and care coordination.
2. Ability to maintain a non judgmental approach with participants, create a helpful and welcoming environment. 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. Proven experience implementing 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 5 years of experience in a health-related program. Bachelor's degree preferred.
3. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly preferred.
4. Demonstrated experience with at-risk populations or vulnerable communities.
5. Demonstrated experience with those who have substance use disorders.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through site or home visit intakes; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects.
2. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design.
3. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance.
4. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Identifies and recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies.
5. May assist in preparing financial information and monitoring budgets.
6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Hourly Range: $31.05

Posted: 02-Jan-26

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Categories: Staff/Administrative