Peer Research Assistant

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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At UBC we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research innovation and learning for all faculty staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
We are the Digital & Sexual Health Initiative affiliated with the BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia. We are looking for a Peer Research Assistant to support the Digital Determinants of Health (DDoH) study. We are doing this study in partnership with Ribbon Community Unlocking the Gates Soonatsooneh Community Health Centre and PAN.

The purpose of the DDoH study is to understand how peoples access to health and social services have been impacted as more health & social services move digitally. For this we will interview clients of our partnering community organizations focusing on people from populations facing barriers in accessing services related to sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs) such as HIV or Hepatitis C. These populations include: First Nations Inuit and Métis communities; African Caribbean and Black communities; Other racialized people; 2SLGBTQ communities; People who use drugs; People who experience incarceration; Sex workers and their clients; People living with HIV and those with lived and living experience of viral hepatitis; Newcomers migrants and immigrants to Canada particularly from regions with high HIV hepatitis B or hepatitis C prevalence; Women and youth within these groups.

The Peer Research Assistant position will support the interviews for the DDoH study (training provided). The position is hourly with an average of 14 hours per week. The position will be hybrid with some onsite work at the Ribbon Community Vancouver BC. Travel may be required for attending a training session.

Organizational Status
This position reports to Research Manager operationally and will work closely with Peer Mentor Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant on the research team as well as staff from Ribbon Community.

Work Performed
The Peer Research Assistant will:

• Assist with study promotion in partnership with Ribbon Community and study team

• Carry out research activities including:

  • Recruiting participants

  • Obtaining informed consent

  • Conducting interviews

  • Reviewing and cleaning interview transcripts

  • Analyzing data and

  • Interpreting findings

• Complete TCPS-2 training and other related training

• Maintain and update research records following the research procedures and according to ethical and confidentiality standards

• Assist with administering research participation honoraria payments

• Attend research team meetings

• Assist other duties as needed

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position works within well-defined guidelines and procedures but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems are referred to supervisor.

Supervision Received
This position will receive general supervision from Research Manager and day-to-day guidance from Research Assistant in carrying out the job duties and responsibilities. The position will receive research training and mentorship from Postdoctoral Fellow and Peer Mentor on the team.

Supervision Given
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives including perspectives in conflict with ones own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness knowledge and skills related to equity diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Member of the populations facing more barriers in accessing STBBI related services as outlined above are strongly encouraged to apply

• Passion to address health inequities

• Interest in developing qualitative health research skills

• Ability to work respectfully with community agencies as well as diverse community members

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to exercise tact discretion and safeguard confidentiality

• Ability to create a welcoming environment for open conversation about sexual health substance use and bodies

• Comfort using MS Office software (i.e. Outlook Word Excel OneDrive) and videoconference application (e.g. MS Teams Zoom)

• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment

• Access to reliable Internet is preferred

• Prior experience with research is an asset

• Proficiency in Arabic and culturally connected to Arabic-speaking communities is strongly preferred