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:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

400626 Psychiatry M&D Research

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.78 - $30.53

Responsibilities:

This position is for a TAR Human Subjects Research Coordinator (HSRC1) who will serve as an ‘Engage Coach’ interventionist for research studies to reduce loneliness in older adults. Under the general guidance of the principal investigator (PI), with latitude for exercise of independent judgment, the HSRC will provide Engage Coaching via one-on-one sessions with older adult research participants. The goals of Engage Coaching are bolstering motivation for improving social connection, teaching an intentional and active approach to social interactions and relationships, developing problem solving skills, and engaging in repeated behavioral practice with social behaviors that promote feelings of positive social connection. Each research subject receives up to 10 brief sessions (typically 30 minutes), provided weekly over no more than three months. Sessions are provided via video call or in person based on coach and subject preference. Weekly supervision by the study PI Kim Van Orden—a licensed clinical psychologist—is provided as part of weekly job duties. A coach will carry a caseload of 1 to 3 research subjects at a time. Including sessions, administrative tasks (scheduling, paperwork, travel if required) and supervision, hours per week will range from 3 to 9 hours depending on coach preference and availability of research subjects. The position is for one year, but can continue up to 5 years depending on coach preference and availability of research funds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide Engage Coaching Intervention

• Along with direct supervision and guidance, provides clinical judgment to provide a behavioral intervention called Engage Coaching.
• Utilize advanced training in psychotherapy and coaching combined with clinical judgment to effectively convey necessary information about the intervention and ensure participant’s comprehension intervention.
• 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.
• Apply advanced clinical reasoning to provide appropriate support, information, and referrals (when needed) to participants in distress.

Data Management for Coaching Sessions

• 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.

     

Administrative tasks

• Schedule weekly appointments for coaching sessions via phone and/or email as desired by participant and provide reminders.
• Document session content and missed sessions in the study tracking database and inform the study Clinical Research Coordinator of progress in completing sessions.
• Record sessions using the IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant procedures and notify study coordinator when recordings are available.

Supervision and ongoing training

• Actively participate in weekly supervision with Dr. Van Orden and other coaches to ensure high quality coaching is provided.
• Review written feedback provided by Dr. Van Orden to enhance the quality of Engage Coaching provided to subjects.
• Regularly review Engage Coaching interventionist and participant manual to refresh knowledge of the intervention, as well as supplemental readings as provided/suggested.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required or
• Associate's degree and completion of 6 months in the Human Subject Research Coordinator Trainee program required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior experience as a Phlebotomist preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Word processing and data analysis software preferred
• Experience providing services to or conducting research with older adults preferred.
• Comfort with video calls (Zoom) preferred.

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