Research & Community Engagement Coordinator

The Research & Community Engagement Coordinator supports the successful execution of clinical research studies while serving as a key liaison between research participants, the clinical research team, investigators, and the broader community. This position is responsible for identifying and engaging potentially eligible research participants, conducting prescreening activities, coordinating research appointments, supporting participant recruitment and retention, and ensuring accurate and timely completion of study documentation in accordance with research protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), applicable federal regulations, and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition to clinical research responsibilities, the Clinical Research & Community Engagement Coordinator serves as a community liaison for the Research Department and the BEAT-HIV Community Advisory Board (CAB).

About the Role:

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday (9:00 - 5:00PM)
• Location: Philadelphia FIGHT, 1233 Locust St, 5th Fl, Phila, PA 19107
• Compensation & Benefits:
  • FSLA status is non-exempt with hourly rate of $24-26 per hour
  • 3 weeks of PTO (4 weeks after 1st year) + 11 paid holidays.
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription Coverage.
  • Employer-funded Short-Term Disability coverage and Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) with employer contribution.
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with options for basic plan or Roth 403(b) contributions with employer matching up to 4%.
  • Discounted education options with partnered institution Pierce College.
  • And a multitude of other employee perks, including but not limited to, the option to contribute to medical discount programs, legal services, charitable contributions, and pet insurance coverage!

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree in a science or social science-related field.
2. 2+ years' experience of professional research (academic or professional) and possess a general knowledge base in science, medicine, record maintenance, and data entry required.
3. General knowledge of science, medical terminology, record maintenance, and data entry.
4. Experience in research recruitment and community outreach strongly preferred.
5. Prior experience delivering services to adult persons with histories of incarnation, homelessness, mental illness, substance dependence, and trauma preferred. Experience with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals preferred.
6. Must possess basic computer skills to perform job duties including desktop computing, e-mail, time sheet management, reporting, etc. using relevant software such as iMedidata/Rave, Interactive Response Technology (IRT), REDCap, Electronic Medical Records and Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
7. Demonstrate the ability to understand the overall purpose of research and function of the Institutional Review Board.
8. Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and excellent customer service.
9. Must be goal-driven, motivated, proactive and energetic about meeting productivity standards.
10. Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach to health care.
11. Ability to remain organized and analytical.
12. Must be able to exercise good judgment and identify when to escalate issues as appropriate.
13. Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices such as OSHA, HIPAA, CLIA and funding body regulations.
14. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
15. Strong skillsets in interpersonal relationships and teamwork, attention to detail, customer service, time management, integrity, autonomy and problem solving.
16. Discretion, initiative, and ability to maintain HIPAA compliance and PA Act 148 compliance.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducts all research in accordance with federal research regulations (21 CFR§50), GCP (Section 4).
2. Performs thorough electronic medical chart, physical archived chart, and database query reviews for inclusion/exclusion criteria against multiple ongoing clinical trials.
3. Conducts and documents phone calls in accordance with Research Department SOPs to recruit potentially eligible FIGHT patients that meet inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies open for enrollment to further assess eligibility and interest, schedule eligible/interested patients for screening appointments.
4. Maintains communication with study participants to ensure high percentage of participant retention, either by phone, email, or text (as per patient/subject preference).
5. Administers pre-screening questionnaires.
6. Participate in protocol related conference calls, trainings, and meetings.
7. Coordinates the scheduling of research patients for appointments with Research Coordinators and with the medical providers.
8. Communicates with Principal Investigator (PI) and all Sub-Is regarding the clinical care of research patients.
9. Completes source documentation and Case Report Form in accordance with FIGHT's Research SOPs.
10. Accurately documents all activities related to patient care appropriately in Epividian, the Electronic Medical Records and/or appropriate databases (source documentation in study or clinic charts, complete case report forms, etc.) in compliance with contracted funding sources and the established timeframe set forth by FIGHT policy.
11. Responds to and resolves queries from study sponsors and regulatory agencies under the direction of the Director – Research.
12. Maintains relevant study logs, as directed by the study Principal Investigator.
13. Performs other administrative duties as assigned by the Director – Research such as assisting with maintaining the regulatory binder, including maintaining long-term storage of documents of closed studies, assisting with specimen transport from FIGHT to the Wistar Institute, and other general administrative tasks as assigned.
14. Demonstrates commitment to Good Clinical Practices, maintenance of confidentiality, and informed consent.
15. Escalates complex client concerns or issues to Director – Research, PI and/or appropriate staff as needed.
16. Assists the Director – Research with generating and submitting social media, website, and both internal and external newsletter updates on behalf of the Research Department to the Chief Development & Communications Officer and Digital Media Specialist.
17. Develops, maintains and acts as the community liaison in person or virtually for the Research Department and BEAT-HIV Community Advisory Board (CAB) at community and FIGHT-sponsored events.
18. Coordinates the development and implementation of targeted outreach strategies serving FIGHT's Research Department as well as the Wistar Institute.
19. Coordinates the review of community outreach materials under the supervision of the Director – Research.
20. Facilitates and coordinates inter-departmental media collaborations.
21. Champions the testing and integration of digital and/or virtual recruitment and support services on behalf of FIGHT's Research Department.
22. Establishes and maintains trusting relationships with those we serve while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural competence; engages and maintains relationships with other supports as needed.
23. Demonstrates respect for individuals under the Belmont Report ethical guidance.
24. Receives and addresses participant feedback; reports feedback to Director – Research as appropriate.
25. Reports protocol deviations/violations to the Director – Research for reporting to the PI, IRB, and Sponsor in a timely manner and in accordance with clinical trial agreements and FIGHT Research SOPs.
26. Reports patient complaints or incidents as required; collects appropriate documentation, works to resolve issues by following management policies.
27. Assesses the physical plant, including laboratory station, supply closets, and drug cabinet on a routine basis, ensuring that the space is neat and clean, reports safety hazards, maintenance or facilities problems promptly.
28. Gathers and reports data to appropriate parties for quality improvement/compliance activities and funder reporting maintains resource directories and updates community referral information.
29. Abides by all compliance standards and operational activities, including but not limited to, completing training, attending all required meetings (Research Team meetings, BEAT-HIV CAB meetings, etc.), supervision meetings, participating in events, etc..
30. Assists with special projects, organizational events, staff coverage, etc., when needed.
31. Upholds and ensures legal and regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, CLIA, informed consent, etc.), FIGHT policies and procedures and supports the overall mission and values of the organization.
32. Other duties as assigned to fulfill FIGHT's mission.
    

For more information visit our Research at FIGHT webpage at https://fight.org/programs/research/.

FIGHT is an EEO, Affirmative Action, LGBTQ, people living with HIV/AIDS, and protected veterans' institution. We are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees from many backgrounds.

We recognize that an inclusive workforce with a variety of views, perspectives, and backgrounds is an integral part in our organizational success. We encourage and embrace a diverse workforce that provides us with unlimited ideas and innovative solutions.