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RESEARCH ASSISTANT

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Us Helping Us is a mission-driven nonprofit known for its work at the intersection of service delivery, community education and mobilization, advocacy and research. For the past 30 years, Us Helping Us has provided innovative services, programs and activities to improve the health and wellbeing of racial, sexual and gender minorities, especially Black gay and bisexual men, people with HIV (PWH), and persons with substance use and mental health disorders. As it exists today, we currently operate two office locations in the greater Washington, DC area and offer a variety of clinical, behavioral health and social services in a trusting, compassionate and non-judgmental environment. We are currently hiring for a Research Assistant and are looking for an eager, focused and independently motivated professional to join our community-based research and healthcare team.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Assistant will be involved in the day-to-day operations related to the identification, recruitment, and retention of research participants in a longitudinal study designed to understand the epidemiology (or development of disease) among Black and Latino gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men. Additionally, the Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting diagnostic testing for hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia, and maintain confidential and well-documented participant files.

 

Reporting to the Study Coordinator, the Research Assistant will have the following primary responsibilities:

 

  • Build trust with and educate community members about the importance of minority participation in medical/behavioral research and the need to understand the factors that contribute to the disproportionate health conditions among racial/ethnic minority communities.

  • Review local surveillance data and perform targeted community-based education and mobilization activities, including integrated HIV/STD testing.

  • Assist Community Health Workers with the provision of targeted community-based education and mobilization events, including integrated HIV/STD testing and needle exchange activities.

  • Recruitment and retention of study participants for ongoing and upcoming research projects through various community-level outreach activities.

  • Adhere to research study protocol requirements for recruitment, participant visits, participant visit schedule, and study procedures.

  • Schedule and conduct participant visits and ensure that all study procedures are performed in compliance with the protocol and standards of the agency.

  • Complete all study documentation such as the informed consent form, and other specific research documents.

  • Maintain accurate records of study visits, safeguarding the confidentiality of participants, as needed

  • Follow-up with study participants to ensure continued participation in longitudinal studies.

  • Participate in regularly scheduled team, department and organizational meetings and continuously update the team on research progress, challenges and successes.

  • Data Management: Assist with data collection, entry, and analysis, as applicable.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal, team building and problem solving and decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice, provide clarity during chaos; and ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as organizational and stress management skills.

  • Commitment: Passion for the mission of the organization, including a strong commitment to working to improve the health and quality of life of LGBTQ+ youth and adults, and improving the health and well-being of racial, sexual and gender minorities.

  • Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the DMV and issues that TGNC youth with histories of homelessness face; effective advocacy efforts to improve quality of life and local housing and employment resources. Intermediate computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and electronic health record (e.g., eClinicalWorks) and data systems.

  • Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that respect the dignity and diversity of our clients. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice. Ability to help manage conflict. Ability to maintain client records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner.

  • Personal qualities: Sound judgment, ability to work independently (with limited supervision), but cohesively, with medical and social service providers and ability to work effectively in a busy and ever-changing environment. Excellent customer service is key.

Experience and Education:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a science, health-related field or another applicable discipline;  or an associate’s degree in a science or health-related field and at least one (1) year of related work experience; or a high school diploma/GED and three (3) years of related work experience

  • Have a valid driver's license with no DUI or major moving violation in the past 5 years. Regular travel within the greater Washington, DC area is required for this position.

  • Experience working with racial minorities and LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

  • Bilingual English/Spanish and/or other languages strongly preferred.

Specifications:

  • The annual salary is $52,500 -$67,500 (based on experience) plus a generous benefits package, including 80/20 employer/employee-paid health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short-term disability and federally observed holidays.

  • This is a full-time position (working a minimum of 40 hours per week) and requires regular evening and weekend commitments.

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid work permit required.

  • Must submit to a background investigation and drug test.

  • Us Helping Us has a smoke-free environment and non-smokers are preferred. Excellent personal hygiene is a must.

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To apply, send cover letter and resume with Research Asst – Last Name in the subject line to: communications@uhupil.org or click here.

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