Senior Research Assistant - Bilingual Spanish and English

The Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute's Health, Homelessness and Criminal Justice (HHCJ) Lab has a new full-time opportunity for a bilingual Senior Research Assistant who will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operation and execution of tasks necessary for the D-HOMES study led by clinician-investigator Dr. Katherine Vickery.

Bilingual in Spanish and English is required. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and those with lived experience of incarceration and/or homelessness are encouraged to apply.

This is a hybrid remote position with an onsite presence required 3 days per week in downtown Minneapolis, MN.

HHCJ lab projects may focus on health equity issues, especially surrounding homelessness and/or incarceration. We are a small, growing, flexible, collaborative team, developing innovative research and analysis projects in the healthcare sector. Ideally someone who's looking for an opportunity to work creatively as part of a team supporting health equity research in Minnesota.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This study aims to support people experiencing homelessness to improve their overall wellness and diabetes management (hemoglobin A1c) through improved medication adherence and better use of community resources. The senior research assistant will be responsible for understanding the research protocol, recruiting and consenting patients at Hennepin Healthcare and partner clinics, conducting assessments with participants, and maintaining contact with participants between appointments. The senior research assistant will collect data, ensure proper confidential storage of sensitive materials, coordinate day-to-day study activities, and maintain study-related documentation in accordance with study protocols. This is a five-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of continued employment on other projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 
  
  
  
  • Coordinates study outreach, interviews research participants, and obtains informed consent at participating community hospital and clinic locations
    
    
    
    • Meets with participants in-person to conduct enrollment, assessments, and other study related activities
    • Communicates with sensitivity when interacting with patients experiencing homelessness and other social complexity
    • Routinely tracks and maintains contact with research participants throughout research study
    • Uses mobile phone study application, REDCAP database, EPIC, and other research-related software
    • Interacts with clinic and laboratory staff to coordinate the drawing and processing of blood samples
    
    
    
    
  • Works with other members of the research team on study design and problem-solving.
  • Travels independently between HCMC main campus and participating community clinics and hospitals.
  • Communicates fluently with Spanish-speaking participants and family members.
  • Documents and consistently maintains data in an organized fashion and analyzes data when appropriate with support
  • Assists in communicating research findings to the scientific community and to the public
    
    
    
    • May assist with literature searches, database management, and drafting/preparation/submission of research manuscripts
    
    
    
    
  • Supports contracting and reimbursement processes
  • Performs study-related administrative tasks as requested
  
  
  
  

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education/Experience:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge is qualifying. Bachelor's degree is preferred or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four (4) years. Experience in clinical trials, or health services research, clinical primary care, or social work preferred.

A valid driver's license, proof of insurance and a satisfactory driving record is required. Employees must carry a minimum of 100/300/100 liability insurance coverage and not have a "business use" exclusion in their insurance policy.

This role will be participant-facing and research assistants will need to pass the DHS background check.

Skill, Knowledge & Ability (SKA):

Requires interaction with a diverse patient population in a busy, fast-paced health care setting. Skilled in basic computer and smartphone applications. Skilled in problem solving and keeping detailed records and files. Ability to communicate in effectively in English and Spanish both verbally and in written materials. Ability to develop professional rapport with research subjects, ability to adapt and be flexible, and the ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to work independently at varied off-site locations with remote contact from supervisor. Maintain patient confidentiality and follow research protocols. Ability to recruit and gather informed consent with patients and conduct interviews. Ability to work independently and within a team, be self-directed and motivated, and communicate effectively. Displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, maintains confidentiality, effective time management. Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, with a preference for experience working with Spanish-speaking communities in a research, health care delivery, or social services field.

AA/EOE of Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans