Psychologist research assistant Jobs in Richmond, BC

Job Summary

We are the Digital & Sexual Health Initiative affiliated with the BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia. We are looking for a Peer Research Assistant to support the Digital Determinants of Health (DDoH) study. We are doing this study in partnership with Ribbon Community, Unlocking the Gates, Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre, and PAN.

The purpose of the DDoH study is to understand how people’s access to health and social services have been impacted as more health & social services move digitally. For this, we will interview clients of our partnering community organizations, focusing on people from populations facing barriers in accessing services related to sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs) such as HIV or Hepatitis C. These populations include: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; African, Caribbean, and Black communities; Other racialized people; 2SLGBTQ+ communities; People who use drugs; People who experience incarceration; Sex workers and their clients; People living with HIV and those with lived and living experience of viral hepatitis; Newcomers, migrants, and immigrants to Canada, particularly from regions with high HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C prevalence; Women and youth within these groups.

The Peer Research Assistant position will support the interviews for the DDoH study (training provided). The position is hourly, with an average of 14 hours per week. The position will be hybrid, with some onsite work at the Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre, Prince George, BC. Travel may be required for attending a training session in Vancouver, BC.

Organizational Status
This position reports to Research Manager operationally, and will work closely with Peer Mentor, Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant on the research team as well as staff from Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre.

Work Performed
The Peer Research Assistant will:

• Assist with study promotion in partnership with Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre and study team
• Carry out research activities including:
  • Recruiting participants
  • Obtaining informed consent
  • Conducting interviews
  • Reviewing and cleaning interview transcripts
  • Analyzing data, and
  • Interpreting findings
• Complete TCPS-2 training and other related training
• Maintain and update research records following the research procedures and according to ethical and confidentiality standards
• Assist with administering research participation honoraria payments
• Attend research team meetings
• Assist other duties as needed

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Received
This position will receive general supervision from Research Manager and day-to-day guidance from Research Assistant in carrying out the job duties and responsibilities. The position will receive research training and mentorship from Postdoctoral Fellow and Peer Mentor on the team.

Supervision Given
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Member of the populations facing more barriers in accessing STBBI related services as outlined above are strongly encouraged to apply
• Passion to address health inequities
• Interest in developing qualitative health research skills
• Ability to work respectfully with community agencies as well as diverse community members
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion and safeguard confidentiality
• Ability to create a welcoming environment for open conversation about sexual health, substance use and bodies
• Comfort using MS Office software (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive) and videoconference application (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom)
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment
• Access to reliable Internet is preferred
• Prior experience with research is an asset