Research Coordinator (CHPLA)

Los Angeles Community Health Project (CHPLA) is a program of Heluna Health. CHPLA’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of people affected by substance use in Los Angeles, to increase access to health care, to empower people to protect themselves, and educate each other to reduce harm in our communities. CHPLA combines direct services, advocacy, outreach, education, and research collaborations to fulfill this mission. Los Angeles Community Health Project was founded in 1992.

The primary purpose of the Research Coordinator is to implement and manage activities for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded study, CTN 0155 BISTRO Trial:  Buprenorphine Implementation at Syringe Services Programs to Reduce Overdoses, a multi-site research study evaluating the impact of low-threshold buprenorphine treatment offered at syringe services programs (SSPs). This role offers an exciting opportunity to support a harm reduction–oriented research initiative aimed at expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder.

The Research Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of CHPLA’s Associate Director and under the overall supervision of the Executive Director.

The Research Coordinator will be responsible for supporting day-to-day study operations at the site, working directly with study participants and SSP staff, and serving as a liaison between the Syringe Services Program (SSP) and the Lead Study Team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, community-centered, and committed to the values of harm reduction.

This is a full time-time, benefitted position. 

Continuing employment is based on availability of grant funds.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate and help oversee the implementation of research activities in accordance with the study protocol and site procedures.


• Interacts with study participants, and SSP staff in a manner that demonstrates respect and understanding of cultural and agency norms.


• Participant Recruitment.  Recruit and engage potential participants from the SSP and broader community.


• Participant Consent.  Thoroughly explain the study, conduct eligibility screening, obtain informed consent, and enroll SSP consumers in the study.


• Research Visits.  Conduct research study visits at the SSP, including structured interviews and surveys.  Schedule participant visits coordinate with other study team members, and complete documentation for all study visits. 


• Participant Tracking.  Schedule, track, and manage follow-up study visits for enrolled participants in a timely manner. Develop rapport with study participants to support study retention and engagement.


• Data Collection and Integrity.  Review entered data, resolve data queries, and obtain missing information for study assessments, checklists, consent forms, and other study documentation. Document all data accurately and according to protocol. Confirm that all data entry is complete and correct.


• Documentation.  Maintain accurate, up-to-date study documentation and research records, including screening logs, consent forms, study checklists, and case report forms in accordance with federal regulations. Assure that participant and data confidentiality and integrity are maintained.  Assure that federal guidelines and requirements are met, and all work is completed in accordance with human subjects’ research Good Clinical Practice.


• Problem Resolution.  Identify, respond to, and participate in the resolution of potential and actual problems in study operations and participant activities.


• Protocol Compliance.  Ensure that study activities are carried out in accordance with protocol, including but not limited to participant recruitment and screening, and participant research visits.


• Regulatory.  Prepare application and research documents for (the) institutional review board(s); maintain the electronic regulatory binder.  


• Biological Testing.  Coordinate collection and on-site testing of urine drug screens (UDS) in accordance with protocol.


• Participant Reimbursement.  Process and manage participant reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner.


• Supply Management.  Maintain appropriate inventory of study supplies and communicate with the Lead Study Team regarding resupply needs.


• Attend regular study conference calls, trainings, and meetings to provide progress updates, and flag site-level challenges.


• Respond promptly to study-related action items and requests from the Lead Study Team, including items identified during Quality Assurance monitoring visits.


• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with SSP staff, study participants, and the broader research team.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual; proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.


• Experience working in community-based settings, especially harm reduction or substance use services.


• Previous experience with research coordination of clinical trials strongly preferred.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfort engaging with individuals with diverse lived experiences, including substance use and particularly opioid use. 


• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.


• Familiarity with research ethics and human subjects protections (training available if not previously completed).


• Comfort using electronic systems for scheduling, data entry, and record keeping.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Background check required


• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand     Frequently

Walk     Frequently

Sit     Frequently

Handling / Fingering    Occasionally

Reach Outward     Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 30 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

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled. Some field work may be required. 

Staff may encounter environmental hazards such as stray animals, moving vehicles, high-crime areas, and individuals who may be aggressive or in crisis. The position requires collaboration with team members and community partners, frequent local travel, and the ability to work in unpredictable or high-pressure situations. Work may occur outdoors and may involve exposure to weather conditions, noise, odors, fumes, pollen, and other environmental factors common to field-based outreach work. 

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.