Peer Research Associate

STATUS:  This is a part-time (up to 15 hours/week split between the two studies) one-year contract with the possibility of extension.

JOB START DATE:  ASAP

SALARY:  $24.24 per hour.

LOCATION:  BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE), Hope to Health Complex 625 Powell Street, Vancouver, BCAND St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street.

JOB:  Working under the direction of the Research Coordinators for the Hope to Health Engagement and Retention Evaluation (HERE) Study and the STOP HIV/AIDS Program Evaluation (SHAPE) Study, the Peer Research Associate is an integral member of both research teams. The ideal candidate for this role will be able to support participants who self-identify as Indigenous through their own lived experience and provide input into the study procedures, data collection tools and research outputs with attention to issues relevant to Indigenous study participants.  They assist in the implementation, and evaluation of research and research related activities. They will primarily be responsible for interviewing study participants and completing questionnaires.  They will also support the ongoing relationships and connection with the Hope to Health clinical team and SHAPE community partners, community organizations and members. They may also support knowledge translation and dissemination activities.  

ORGANIZATION:  The BC-CfE is a world-renowned centre with innovative, low barrier approach to healthcare delivery in clinical practice and an integrated group of research concentrations in Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Trials, Population Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics and Professional Education Programs. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians including Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and Peers and researchers including Health Economists, Epidemiologists, Clinical Researchers, Statisticians, Programmers, and Data Analysts work collaboratively to improve the health of British Columbians with HIV and communities facing socio-economic barriers in accessing healthcare through the development, ongoing monitoring and dissemination of comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related diseases. Our programs include Hope to Health, an innovative, multidisciplinary, “wrap-around” health clinic and harm reduction program serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) and the HIV Drug Treatment Program, based at St. Paul’s Hospital.

DUTIES:

• This position will involve many tasks, including, but not limited to: recruiting participants, obtaining consent, conducting interviews with participants, completing questionnaires, administering payments to participants, maintaining records and completing other administrative research work.
• To support community engagement as a central part of the research processes
• This role will involve working collaboratively with academic researchers, clinicians, and other PRAs, to fulfill the research goals and objectives.
• Assisting and providing direction on research projects related to people with mental health and substance use disorders, hepatitis C, HIV and other related conditions
• Assisting and providing direction on research projects which include participants who self-identify as Indigenous, including First Nations, Metis, or Inuit.
• Liaising with community organizations and community members as a means of engagement with the research study teams
• Maintains strict confidentiality related to identification and release of study data.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong preference given to candidates identifying as Indigenous, including First Nations, Metis, or Inuit
• Knowledge and experience of working with individuals who self-identify as Indigenous trying to access health or social services
• Knowledge of and experience working with marginalized populations such as residents in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
• Knowledge of and experience working with people living with HIV, people who use substances, people with mental health conditions and people experiencing homelessness.
• An understanding of harm reduction principles and practices
• An understanding of experiences of and common barriers to care facing people who use substances or have mental health conditions
• Previous experience with research would be an asset
• Previous experience working with community-based organizations would be an asset
• Enthusiasm to learn and be part of a dynamic team
• Reliable and organized
• Basic computer competency and familiarity with e-mail and Internet

CONTACT:
c/o Human Resource Coordinator, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, e-mail: hr@bccfe.ca