Center for HIV/AIDS Care & Research

Employment Opportunities

• Clinical Research Retention Interventionist
• Study Coordinator

Clinical Research Retention Interventionist

Position Summary

Clinical Research Retention Interventionist (RI) for the Retention in Care Program at the Center for HIV/AIDS Care and Research (CHACR). This is a grant-funded position and the main requirements are to fulfill the grant-specific aims and objectives. The RI must perform in a professional manner suitable to the outpatient practice, maintain patient confidentiality at all times, and be able to work with other staff in the outpatient practice. The RI conducts all activities to achieve grant requirements of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); s/he must meet all relevant standards of care of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Boston Medical Center (BMC). The RI position requires an individual who is dedicated, patient-focused, culturally competent and ready to meet the challenges of service delivery at BMC.

The Retention Interventionist at CHACR is responsible for carrying out the defined activities of the Retention in Care research study (conducting a strengths-based interview; administering a retention risk screener; developing a plan for retention; delivering retention-focused HIV education and skills modules on communication, organization and problem-solving; tracking patients and conducting other activities to find patients and maintain them in care; recording data on all activities related to the grant ), and performing other research study activities as needed. The successful candidate will be trained in all aspects of delivering the intervention to HIV patients to help them stay in care. The RI will deliver interventions to ~100 patients, working more intensively with ~50 patients (2 one-on-one intervention sessions and contacts carried out longitudinally) and less intensively with ~50 other patients (1 brief one-on-one educational session and contact across time).

This is a full time, grant funded position. Currently, there are approximately 2.5 years of funding for this position; continuation of this position will be dependent on the availability of funds.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience required. Degree in human services field preferred.

Experience

• Experience working within a hospital or other medical/clinical setting preferred.
  
  
• Experience working with HIV-positive persons in a counseling, supportive, or educational capacity in a clinical or community setting preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated sensitivity to populations at increased risk for HIV acquisition and HIV infection.
  
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
  
  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  
  
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  
  
• Knowledge of community, social, and health resources; particularly HIV.
  
  
• Demonstrated flexibility with client’s priorities, evolving needs, and goals with sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
  
  
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
  
  
• Knowledge of clinical and treatment aspects of HIV.
  
  
• Ability to prioritize workload and efficiently complete assigned work.
  
  
• Basic computer competency, including experience entering data into an electronic system or spreadsheet.
  
  
• English proficiency is required; bilingual (Spanish) / bicultural counselors are preferred and encouraged to apply.

For additional information please contact Rhea Kahrim at 617-414-3520.

Study Coordinator

Position Summary

Oversee all administrative and ongoing daily aspects of the study. Responsible for data collection and submission of data to CDC and HRSA, as requested. Conduct data quality checks and supervise the intensive case managers and the peer outreach workers. Monitor the progress of the study and report any problems to the principal investigators (PIs) and the CDC program officer, as requested by the PIs. Participate in telephone calls with the program officer and study coordinators from other sites, as required. Responsible for the submission of progress reports, the study manual, and all other required documents to the CDC and HRSA. Draft and submit the IRB application to the Boston University Medical Center IRB after review by the PIs. Develop reports on clinic attendance data using clinic records. Collect and tabulate patient contact data from the intensive case managers and peer outreach workers. Submit attendance data, medical chart data, survey and patient contact data to the CDC over the secure data network, as required. Coordinate regular project team meetings and calls, as needed, including developing agendas, setting up conference calls and coordinating all other aspects of team meetings and calls. Responsible for meeting milestones and deadlines, as specified by the grant.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in public health, social work, or related field preferred.

Experience

Previous research or public health experience preferred. Experience working with disadvantaged populations, preferably those at risk for HIV infection.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of mental illness and substance abuse, including diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. Familiarity with psychosocial issues related to HIV/AIDS. Sensitivity to ethnic, cultural and gender-related beliefs and behaviors. Excellent communication, organizational, and management skills. Positive and flexible attitude with excellent interpersonal skills is essential. Must have the ability to take initiative and handle multiple priorities and tasks. Ability to maintain confidentiality and to work effectively with all levels of staff and management are important. Computer proficiency essential, including data collection and analysis. Strong writing skills preferred. Data analysis skills also preferred.

For additional information please contact Rhea Kahrim at 617-414-3520.