Research Assistant

About CLAREMATRIX: CLAREMATRIX CM is a nonprofit organization providing effective and compassionate treatment recovery and prevention services for alcoholism and substance use to individuals families and the community. Headquartered in Santa Monica CA CLAREMATRIX maintains multiple facilities in the Southern California region.

Since 1970 CLAREMATRIX has provided quality substance use and mental health treatment to individuals in treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Southern California.

Summary

Under supervision the Research Assistant will provide comprehensive research and evaluation support across various agency grant-funded program evaluations. This role contributes to the full cycle of program evaluation from data collection and entry through analysis reporting and presentation to internal and external stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have direct reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties responsibilities knowledge skills and/or ability required.

1.Research and Data Collection

a. Conducts data collection activities in support of grant-funded program evaluations including survey administration participant interviews and administration of grant-related federal assessments including intake discharge and follow-up participant interviews.

b. Enters project data accurately and timely into customized tracking tools and online platforms; organizes and manages large volumes of quantitative and qualitative data with strong attention to detail.

c. Conducts scholarly research as needed to support evaluation and reporting activities.

2. Reporting

a. Prepares written project summary reports and assists in writing publications derived from evaluation projects.

b. Presents data and outcomes to the internal project team and delivers formal presentations to external stakeholders at conferences symposiums and community meetings.

c. Write project summary reports. Assists in writing any publications derived from the project.

3. Coordination and Administrative Support

a. Assists the project team in organizing and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to scheduling agenda preparation and follow-up documentation.

b. Answers phones and performs general office duties as needed.

4. Cross-Functional Coordination & Support

a. Works closely with stakeholders to stay current on outstanding findings and resolution priorities.

b. Serves as the primary point of contact for staff regarding documentation correction requirements.

c. Works collaboratively and respectfully with cross-functional staff to remove barriers to timely documentation correction.

5. Compliance & Confidentiality

a. Ensures all documentation complies with relevant regulations requirements company policy and privacy.

b. Maintains accurate records of compliance monitoring activity and corrective actions taken.

c. Upholds strict confidentiality standards in all aspects of the role.

6. Safety and Compliance

a. Compliance: Adhere to all CLAREMATRIX Policies and Procedures program guidelines and all state county local and federal regulations. If working with participants ensure participant safety dignity and confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery.

b. HIPAA Compliance: Protect participant information by maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring all records conversations and electronic data meet HIPAA and organizational privacy standards.

c. Professional Behavior: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants in accordance with Company policies and ethical standards. Ensure a safe and ethical environment by upholding clear communication appropriate conduct and respect for participant privacy and dignity. Boundaries typically include but are not limited to personal disclosure limits physical touch restrictions and clear communication about the professional nature of the relationship.

d. Safety Standards: Follow all CLAREMATRIX OSHA and CAL-OSHA health and safety regulations. Support the maintenance of a safe environment for participants and staff.

e. Incident Reports: Complete incident reports accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

a. Communication: Demonstrate effective and appropriate workplace communication by speaking clearly directly and with purpose. Actively listen ask clarifying questions and confirm understanding before acting. If role works directly with participants provide timely updates to staff and participants as appropriate regarding needs concerns or changes in participant status ensuring information is accurate and complete. Maintain professional tone body language and boundaries in all interactions even in emotionally charged situations. Address issues respectfully and constructively avoid gossip or unprofessional dialogue and follow established channels for reporting documentation and escalation. Consistently model courteous trauma-informed and culturally sensitive communication that supports a safe and respectful environment.

b. Meetings: Attend and actively participate in staff meetings case conferences one-on-one supervision meetings training sessions and team-building activities as required by the program.

c. Collaborative Teamwork: Work collaboratively with counselors peers case managers nursing staff and other program team members to support participant care resolve concerns and maintain consistency in service delivery.

d. Intercompany Collaboration: Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners and collaborate with outside agencies as part of the continuum of care when applicable.

e. Mission Vision and Philosophy: Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of CLAREMATRIXs mission vision philosophy and operating principles. Support a healthy work environment and uphold organizational standards of conduct.

f. Supportive Work Environment: Contribute to a positive safe and team-oriented work environment by remaining receptive to constructive feedback seeking guidance when needed and supporting coworkers in program operations.

8. Secondary Areas of Responsibility

Other Duties as Assigned: Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

9. Qualifications and Experience

a. High school diploma or equivalent required. An Associates or Bachelors degree in healthcare administration business public health or a related field preferred but not required.

b. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the collection administration and coordination of project data both quantitative and qualitative.

c. Experience working in a healthcare or behavioral health setting preferred but not required.

d. Experience working with a diverse population and exhibits comfort and professionalism interviewing individuals experiencing SUD or similar.

e. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.

f. Experience working alongside or in support of clinical or medical staff a plus.

g. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word Excel PPT SharePoint etc.)

10. Knowledge Skills Competencies and Experience

a. Knowledge: Possess an understanding of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) recovery principles and basic mental health considerations.

b. Skills: Demonstrate effective and strong organizational verbal and written skills including the ability and capacity to organize large volumes of data with attention to detail. Documents accurately maintains timely workflow and communicates effectively with staff and participants.

c. Competencies: Maintain professionalism appropriate boundaries cultural responsiveness and adherence to ethical standards. Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute positively to a team environment.

d. Experience: Exhibits emotional maturity resilience and the interpersonal skills required to engage respectfully and effectively with group dynamics in a diverse treatment community.

Physical Demands:

While performing the responsibilities of this job the employee is continuously required to talk and hear. The employee is continuously required to sit stand walk and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee may occasionally be required to reach with arms and hands overhead or below the waist and may occasionally be required to stoop kneel or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift carry push or pull up to 5 pounds. Vision abilities required for this job include close vision. The employee must be able to perform all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. These physical demands represent the essential physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medical History:

All employees who have or may have contact with participants or who work in food preparation are required to complete a Health Screening Report or Health Questionnaire as part of onboarding. The Health Screening Report must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner to confirm the employees ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position. All employees will also complete a confidential self-report health questionnaire in accordance with ADA/FEHA requirements.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment TB screening in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily located in Santa Monica and may involve working in participant-accessible areas group rooms offices and other designated program spaces. The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to adapt to changing participant needs and support a supportive program setting. The role involves regular interaction with participants who may exhibit challenging behaviors including escalations or physical agitation.

The position requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and complete documentation at a computer workstation. The employee may be required to work in a confined or shared space at times. While performing the responsibilities of the job the work environment characteristics are representative of those the employee will encounter during assigned duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and if requested reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship for the Company. Furthermore job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels change. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.