Job Posting: Research Coordinator, Making it Work Study


Status
: Number of hours/week is flexible and will be decided
on with the right candidate, at a minimum the position would be 0.5 FTE but would consider additional FTEs depending on the candidate

Time Period: Position is available immediately – for one year, with possibility of extension, FTE for a new employment agreement would be negotiated at that time and would be dependent on study resources

Remuneration: $45,000 – $55,000 based on experience

Location: Flexibility within British Columbia.

Posting: We will begin reviewing postings on December 14th, 2020 however, this posting will remain active until the position is filled

 

The Pacific AIDS Network and the Making It Work project is seeking a Research Coordinator to support this community based research study. The Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Making It Work Study Team including co-leads Sherri Pooyak of the AHA centre, and J. Evin Jones and Janice Duddy from the Pacific AIDS Network. The Coordinator will also work within the Community-Based Research and Evaluation Program at the Pacific AIDS Network, which is offered in partnership with the CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV/AIDS. The Coordinator will report directly to PAN’s Research Manager, Joanna Mendell.

Making it Work is an Indigenous focused community-based research (CBR) study that is looking at what services work well for people living with HIV, hepatitis C, and/or challenges with mental health or substance use. This project is looking to understand why, when, how and for whom, certain services work, with a specific interest in the following program models:

  1. Indigenous service delivery models: Programs that approach service delivery with an Indigenous worldview of health and/or provide services within a culturally safe framework.
  2. Case management: Client-centered support that helps clients navigate complex systems of care, and links them with health care, psychosocial, and other services. This could include housing, food, income, medical treatment, harm reduction, employment services etc.
  3. Community Development: Strategies designed to build strong social networks, inclusion and support, creating and mobilizing resources within the community to engage and support individuals, groups and organizations. Examples of these types of programs may include peer mentorship models, talking circles, cultural outings, or community events.

This study is looking to understand how these types of programs are linked to improve outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients. The project is using a Realist Evaluation approach, building a program theory through team discussions, examination of the literature and by collecting data using a case study approach. We will be testing and refining our Realist Evaluation Program Theory in four case study sites in BC – Smithers, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria. The community-based research team will work in partnership with local communities to find ways to decolonize our research process and work on a foundation of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, two-eyed seeing, and cultural safety. More about the study here.

 

About the Pacific AIDS Network

The Pacific AIDS Network (PAN) is a vibrant, pro-active member-based coalition that provides a
network to support the abilities and efforts of its 40+ member organizations to respond to HIV, hepatitis C and related issues in British Columbia, including the overdose emergency. PAN provides face-to-face networking opportunities; opportunities for mutual support; education and skills development; and opportunities for member organizations to participate in community-based research and evaluation projects. PAN facilitates knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) activities and the sharing of evidence-based practices; and undertakes collective action to influence public perceptions and policies affecting people living with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and those “at risk.”

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Support the Study Team by organizing monthly team video conferences and organizing face-to-face team meetings if/when COVID-19 restrictions on travel and gathering are lifted.
  • Facilitate team meetings and provide agenda and follow-up notes for all meetings.
  • Prepares and/or updates research ethics board applications.
  • Support development, in collaboration with the Study Team, a Realist Evaluation Framework and Context-Mechanism-Outcome statements through culturally safe consultations including a series of virtual (and/or in person when possible) community meetings that will support the creation of a program theory.
  • In consultation with study team, develop data collection tools and methods (quantitative survey and qualitative interview guide) that will be used at four case study sites around the province (Victoria, Prince George, Smithers and Vancouver).
  • Coordinate and participate in data collection with community research sites.
  • Coordinate and support data analysis.
  • Support community research sites in capacity building related to the project and works in partnership with the community research sites, Peer Research Associates, to recruit participants.
  • Work with PAN’s Research Manager to supervise the Research Trainee on the project.
  • Work with PAN’s Research Manager to support Peer Research Associates on the project.
  • Support integrated knowledge translation and communications activities.
  • Ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of study activities; acts as the primary administrative point of contact.
  • Facilitate and participates in report and publication writing.
  • Support the writing of funding proposals as appropriate.
  • Work in collaboration with the CBR and Evaluation Program staff at PAN, and, where appropriate, with the CIHR Centre for REACH and the CBR Collaborative Centre.
  • Other duties, as required and special projects identified that reflect both organization need as well as employee interest.

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate or Master’s degree in relevant discipline. Current students are welcome to apply and hours/week can be flexible for the right candidate.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, group team-building and facilitation skills and ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities in a culturally safe way.
  • In-depth knowledge of community-based research and/or participatory evaluation principles.
  • Advanced understanding of qualitative and mixed methods research, including case study approaches.
  • Experience with developing data collection tools – i.e. surveys, interview guides, etc.
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Experience in or understanding of HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C research and understanding of the Nothing About Us Without Us Principles.
  • Proficiency in applicable software programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, excel, data analysis software, e.g. nVivo, etc.).

Characteristics

  • Comfort working on the computer, video conferencing, and collaborating at a distance.
  • Self-starter, able to hit the ground running, able to work independently, dependable.
  • Ability and willingness to travel, as COVID-19 allows (there are a number of case study sites around the province and there may be travel to each of these).
  • Skilled team player who is able to build professional and effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders – respected and respectful.
  • A hands-on, forward-thinking planner, problem solver and implementer, capable of anticipating and dealing with challenges proactively.
  • Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and manage time well.
  • Values diversity, collaboration, transparency and partnerships.

 

We will begin reviewing applications on December 14, 2020 however, this posting will remain active until the position is filled.

Applications should be submitted through Charity Village

We encourage individuals living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C and/or Indigenous individuals and other members of under-represented communities to apply. Please note, preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.