Job posting: Peer Research Associate (PRA), Making it Work Project

 

 

Position: Peer Research Associate (PRA), Making it Work Project

Status: This is a temporary, part-time position that consists of 3 hours/week

Contract: 6 months (March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022; with the possibility of extension)

Remuneration: The salary for this position is $325/month (with two pay periods in a month) before all required taxes and deductions are applied

Location: We are looking to hire two PRA’s; one in Victoria and one in Prince George.

Reports to: PAN’s Research Manager

 

Are you someone with lived or living experiences of HIV and/or hepatitis C? Or have you dealt with challenges with mental health or substance use? Are you passionate about your community? Are you interested in the role Indigenous cultures play in health services? If so, we welcome you to apply to become a peer research associate (PRA) for the Making It Work Project.

Making it Work is a research project looking at the services provided in the community, like case management and community development. The study is particularly interested in services delivered through an Indigenous worldview and how organizations create cultural safety for their clients.

PAN is presently hiring two peer research associates (PRAs) who share similar life experiences to participants accessing services these services. This may mean you have current or past experience(s) with any of the following: HIV, hepatitis C, challenges with mental health and/or substance use. People with first-hand experience(s) are important to this project. As a PRA  you will provide valuable insight into project planning, gathering data, and sharing results,.

If you are interested in learning more about research and the Making it Work Project and you feel you meet the job description below, please get in touch to tell us about yourself!

It is important to note that at this point due to COVID-19 work will be done at a distance using computers for meetings and communication. While necessary training and equipment will be provided, applicants should be comfortable doing work on the computer. 

 

About PAN

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 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.”

PAN is an organization that recognizes our collective responsibility to address systemic and structural oppression, and challenge the stigmas that affect the lives of people in our community. Through our member organizations; our programming and activities; influence on government and non-government organizations; and community outreach, we consider it an integral part of our work to actively model a safe and inclusive workplace for all. This includes cultural humility and a commitment to  ensuring  cultural safety for Indigenous staff, members, partners, and participants. As we take active steps toward reconciliation through understanding, organizational learning, and action to address the ongoing impacts of colonization, we encourage diverse perspectives.  We continue to challenge ourselves to learn new ways to address the struggles of historically oppressed people and communities.

 

Peer Research Assocate (PRA) Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Actively participates in PAN’s training program that includes:
    1. Preparatory self-study work
    2. Successful completion of training sessions (on videoconference)
  • Supports the planning and design of the Making it Work study alongside the Community-Based Research team at PAN
  • Attends meetings with Making it Work Research Team. Location to be determined, but may involve travel (if COVID-19 restrictions on travel and gathering are lifted). All costs associated with travel (including accommodation and child care) to be covered by the Making it Work Project
  • Works with the Principal Investigators, Research Coordinator, Student, Research Manager, Director of Evaluation and Research, the study’s CBR research team, community organizations and partners, and fellow Peer Research Associates to recruit participants to the project and carry out research activities
  • Supports the building of data collection tools and participates in data collection, including gathering survey data and interviews. Peer Researchers will be supported with training and coaching to do this work
  • Supports data analysis, supports the writing of recommendations and sharing of findings.
  • Helps organize community events
  • Participates in weekly team meetings, regular check-ins with the Research Coordinator/Manager, monthly research team meetings and occasional in-person team meetings (as COVID-19 allows)
  • This position will involve time spent working on your own as the research team lives in various places. Communication will often be online through email, video conferencing and on the phone, with some in-person meetings; we will work as a team to learn the best way to work together on these platforms.

 

Qualifications

  • A person with lived experience with HIV and/or hepatitis C and/or challenges with mental health and/or substance use
  • Comfort working on the computer, video conferencing, and collaborating at a distance
  • Basic computer skills (e.g., comfortable using a computer, typing, sending emails, and accessing the internet) – PAN will provide a computer if required
  • Ability to work on your own and as part of a diverse team, to be a team-player and to communicate needs and work through challenges in a constructive and respectful way
  • Past experience and/or interest in working with people with lived or living experiences with HIV, hepatitis C, challenges with mental health and/or substance use
  • Past experience and/or interest working with Indigenous peoples and communities
  • Compassion and understanding towards issues related to diversity, inequality, stigma and discrimination
  • Passionate about learning and your community
  • Fluent in English with strong oral and written communication skills (e.g. reading, comprehension, writing)
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Flexibility in working hours and ability to travel for occasional training or team events as COVID-19 allows (travel costs covered)

 

Past experience working as part of a research team is a benefit, but it is not required and training will be provided as part of this position.

We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals and preference will be given to Indigenous candidates. We also welcome other candidates who possess a high level of cultural competence and understanding of Indigenous experience, communities, and issues.

 

Application Process

Please email [email protected] your answers to the following questions:

  1. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
  2. Please tell us why you are interested in this position.
  3. Please describe your interest and/or experience with any or all of the following:
    • Community-based research
    • HIV, hepatitis C, mental health and or substance use services
    • Indigenous health and wellness services
  4. You are welcome but not required to describe the communities and/or lived experiences you identify with (Indigenous, racialized, drug using, mental health, HIV, hepatitis C etc.).
  5. Where do you live? Currently we are looking to hire positions in Victoria and Prince George.
  6. Please indicate how you would like to be contacted: email address or phone number. The Research Manager will be in touch once we receive your application.

 

You are welcome to attach a resume, but it is not required.