Human Subject Research Specialist I

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400626 Psychiatry M&D Research

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.36 - $29.90

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a bilingual (American Sign Language and English) Clinical Research Coordinator/ Research Associate to work remotely on a study with Deaf individuals, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The CRC will have background knowledge of Deaf mental health. Under the general guidance of the principal investigator (PI), with latitude for exercise of independent judgment, the CRC will oversee the screening, assessment, and retention of participants in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of a cognitive behavioral intervention to promote treatment-seeking among Deaf adults with mental health disorders. The CRC will screen all participants for eligibility in the trial, collect informed consent to enroll participants (n = 110), and conduct baseline assessments (including mental health and suicide risk assessments). The CRC will also coordinate scheduling (e.g. and conduct 2- and 4-month follow-up assessments with all participants. All study activities will be conducted on Zoom. The CRC will assist the PI with data management. The CRC will be trained and supervised by the PI, Aileen Aldalur. This job requires fluency in ASL, knowledge of and immersion in the Deaf community, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and preferably commitment for up to 4 years. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Clinical Assessments

• Complete suicide risk assessment and management training with study PI
• Conduct mental health and suicide risk assessments in American Sign Language (ASL) with Deaf study participants at baseline and follow-up appointments. Assessments include measures of depression, suicide risk, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, alcohol use disorder, beliefs about mental health treatment, and acculturative stress.
• Appropriately respond to any participant safety concerns and seek consultation from the study PI as indicated by the study safety protocol
• Utilize Deaf cultural knowledge, ASL skills, and clinical judgment to effectively convey necessary information and ensure the participant’s comprehension of the assessment measures without compromising the information collected.
• Utilize interpersonal skills, clinical knowledge, and clinical judgment to develop and maintain rapport, encourage personal disclosure of sensitive material, and follow ethical principles to maintain participant well-being and safety.
• Collaborate with study PI to provide appropriate support, information, and access to services (when needed) to participants in distress, following the study’s safety protocol.
• Maintain security of study data and follow the study protocol for confidentiality and storage of data.
• Present participation information at weekly meetings with the PI to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants.

Participant Recruitment

• Assist with developing ASL videos for recruitment, posting study information, and appropriately responding to inquiries.
• Utilize the Deaf Database (STUDY00004252), to identify and recruit eligible participants.
• Monitor the study email account to appropriately respond to participant inquiries and schedule initial screening appointments with participants on Zoom.
• Coordinate and conduct initial eligibility screening for potential participants.
• Assist the PI in creating and monitoring an eligibility database.
• Use independent clinical judgment, with supervision from the PI, when conducting eligibility screens to provide an overview of the study and collect sensitive information.
  • Conducting eligibility screens requires clinical skill in clearly presenting the study rationale, design, and procedures to diverse Deaf participants with varying language needs.
  • The eligibility screens include conducting mental health screening assessments which require some basic clinical skills.
• Provide eligibility reports to the PI on a weekly basis (i.e., number screened, number eligible, etc.) to promote steady recruitment, ensure the study meets recruitment milestones, coordinate scheduling, maintain a steady flow of participants through the trial, and promote, participant retention
• Complete and document the informed consent process with eligible participants.

Data Management and Team Coordination

• Assist the PI in documenting study flow data in a timely, accurate manner per study protocol.
• Assist the PI in filing, retrieving, and maintaining participant and study data.
• Actively participate in study team meetings to promote team coordination and cohesion.
• Discuss participant safety and retention information with the PI during weekly meetings as needed.
• Take minutes for study team meetings, to be reviewed by the PI within one week of the meeting.

Administrative Tasks and Other Support Services

• Complete, as needed, tasks to support the day-to-day operations of the study.
• Resource tracking, meeting room reservations, etc.
• Copying, filing, and other duties as assigned.
• Coordinate scheduling and send out email reminders for meetings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Associate's degree and completion of 6 months in the Human Subject Research Coordinator Trainee program required
• 1 year of experience in human subject research coordination, or equivalent combination of education and experience clinical work with Deaf individuals (i.e., psychology, social work, counseling, etc.) required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The Research Coordinator must maintain eligibility to participate in research involving human subjects by completing the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH’s Good Clinical Practice training. This position also requires participation in available cultural competency training; required.
• Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and capable of adapting to the language needs of diverse Deaf individuals required (i.e., signing style variations, language deprivation, etc.)
• Experience working with the Deaf community required
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to collaborate with others preferred.
• Familiarity IRB procedures preferred.
• Familiarity with REDCap preferred.

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