Community-Based Research Assistant

Heluna Health and RTI International seek a Community-Based Research Assistant to work on a courthouse-based research project with justice-involved individuals in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

The Research Assistant will oversee research project activities and conduct all aspects of data collection for the randomized controlled trial at the research site. This includes screening individuals for eligibility, conducting informed consent processes and quantitative data collection with research participants, providing research participants with referrals to social services, and randomizing research participants to the peer-led court navigation intervention group.

This position is grant-term limited with an expected start in summer 2026 and end in winter 2027.

This is a 100%-time position (40 hours per week). Study operating hours will include Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Work will be local site-based, conducted in the St Joseph County courthouse in downtown South Bend, Indiana. There will be no overnight travel expected for this position.

We are seeking a flexible and detail-oriented person with strong interpersonal skills who has experience (paid or volunteer) with data collection, trauma informed practices, and engagement with people who are justice-involved, use drugs, and have mental health concerns.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00 per hour.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Organize all research project activities, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Setting up and breaking down study materials in courthouse lobby
  
  
  • Managing hospitality and flow of research study in courthouse lobby
  
  
  • Stocking study referral resource sheets and hospitality supplies
  
  
  • Providing research participants with referrals to health and social services
  
  
  • Randomizing participants to the peer-led court navigation intervention group
  
  
  • Managing and maintaining participant incentive petty cash fund and receipt logs
  
  
  
  


• Conduct all data collection activities, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Screening individuals for eligibility
  
  
  • Conducting informed consent processes with research participants
  
  
  • Conducting structured, quantitative surveys with research participants
  
  
  • Documenting personally identifiable information (PII) like full name and date of birth
  
  
  • Operating computerized data collection program (CAPI) on a laptop computer
  
  
  
  


• Create environments of care, respect, and safety for community members participating in the research


• Work collaboratively with the Court Navigator/Certified Peer Recovery Coach who leads the research project’s intervention group


• Ensure compliance with IRB human subjects’ protocols


• Provide ongoing feedback to Principal Investigator and Study Director about field conditions, study progress, and study needs


• Other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, preferred


• One (1) year of experience with coordinating research and/or data collection


• One (1) year of experience working with marginalized populations, such as people who are justice-involved, use drugs, and/or have mental health concerns


• Experience using computerized data collection programs, preferred

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Background clearance required

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Access, Word, Outlook, and Excel)


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail


• Ability to take initiative and work independently


• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and good judgement


• Ability to work with others in an office as well as community field setting

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand                                             Occasionally

Walk                                              Occasionally

Sit                                                  Frequently

Handling / Fingering                        Frequently

Reach Outward                              Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder                   Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend              Occasionally

Lift / Carry                                       Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull                                        Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See                                                 Constantly

Taste/ Smell                                    Not Applicable

Not Applicable       Not required for essential functions

Occasionally          (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently             (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly             (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

St Joseph County courthouse in downtown South Bend, Indiana.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.