Reporting to the Research Coordinator and Observational Research Manager, the Interviewer operates as a member of a multidisciplinary, collaborative research team. The Interviewer recruits and prescreens potential study participants, conducts structured interviews of eligible research participants enrolled in various research studies; and assists in data collection, data cleansing, and data entry resulting from interviews. The Interviewer also performs outreach activities and connects people with community services as required.



ORGANIZATION

The British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. As a research centre of Providence Health Care Research Institute and a University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Centre, the BCCSU's vision is to transform substance use policies and care in BC by translating research into education and evidence-based care guidance. By supporting the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and standards, the BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use, thereby serving all British Columbians. The BCCSU seeks to achieve these goals through integrated activities of its three core functions: research and evaluation, education and training, and clinical care guidance.



The BCCSU values and respects all members of its communities, each of whom individually and collaboratively make a contribution to transforming care, education, training, and research in this area.

Education
High School diploma or equivalency required.

Bachelor's degree in health care, social services or social sciences preferred.

Two years' experience in frontline services. Preference for experience in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Experience working with marginalized populations, such as people with substance use disorders, mental health issues, and unstable housing.

Experience with semi structured or structured interviewing techniques.

Research experience or training is an asset.

Current CPR and naloxone administration training an asset.



Skills and Abilities

Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.

Excellent interpersonal skills including conflict management / crisis resolution skills.

Organized with meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

Familiarity with Metro Vancouver (for Outreach) and community services related to addictions, mental health, and homelessness in the Downtown Eastside and Downtown South. Knowledge of services for youth an asset.

Demonstrated computer skills including experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and proficiency with data entry.

Excellent time management and data entry skills.

Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.

Demonstrates professional judgment when supporting participants and referring to appropriate services.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Recruits potential participants, provides information and answers questions about research studies.

Prescreens potential research subjects in person according to study protocols and enrolls eligible participants.

Conducts quantitative structured interviews with eligible participants and performs outreach for follow up interviews.

Conducts outreach and interviews off site at community services and/or other facilities with varying environments (e.g. drop-in centres, shelters, non-profit residences, private SROs, health care facilities, public spaces in inner city setting) using approved transportation options.

Adheres to informed consent procedures and ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.

Reviews questionnaires for completeness and accuracy.

Ensures policies and procedures for data management are followed and all documents are entered and filed as required by ethical guidelines.

Responsible for processing participant honoraria, including paying participant and recording honoraria for daily float reconciliation.

Transports blood samples to St. Paul's Hospital for HIV/HCV and STI testing as needed.

Participates in knowledge translation presentations to community organizations as needed.

Assists with training staff on data collection protocols as needed.

Refers participants to appropriate services and/or provides initial support when required.

Performs other related duties as required.