Job Abstract

The mission of the UCLA Center for Behavioral & Addiction Medicine (CBAM) is to advance the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. Our research efforts include clinical trials and other studies aimed at treating substance use disorders and preventing HIV acquisition, as well as treatment of other diseases that disproportionally effect vulnerable populations.

The INTEGRA study will utilize a mobile health delivery unit (aka mobile clinic) to link persons who inject drugs (PWID) to integrated care and prevention for addiction, HIV, HCV and primary care. The study protocol includes a peer navigation component that is intended to assist people who may not have ready access to services to overcome barriers of entry to care and to remain in treatment.

Peer Navigators work with the study team to recruit and retain participants. Each Peer Navigator is responsible for a caseload of participants, assessing their needs and ensuring that they are directly connected to the healthcare and other services needed. They are responsible for completion of peer navigation sessions with each assigned participant, following a manual and documenting all interactions in the appropriate systems. Navigation is typically done in person and may take place at the mobile unit, in a public setting, or at the participant's home. In some cases, navigation may occur over the phone. Navigators will administer study measures and assist with data entry. Navigators will work as part of a larger study team, attending regular meetings and supervision and assisting with daily setup and tear down of the mobile unit. Navigators may also drive the mobile unit or study van.

As a Senior Navigator, this position will be responsible for providing advice/direction to lower level Navigators and will assist with training and reviews of lower level Navigators' work.

Pay Range: $28.78 - $37.99 Hourly

Required:

Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of experience in a health or social service field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience providing referrals to community service

Experience working with people with Substance Use Disorder in a research, case management or counseling capacity

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with participants, staff, supervisor and community partners.

Ability to question research participants about sensitive behavioral issues, including but not limited to drug use, criminal history and sexual behavior

Skill in speaking and writing to persons of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds

Ability to maintain professional working relationships and to set appropriate boundaries

Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality of research participants

Willingness to be trained in ethical conduct of research, study protocol, peer navigation intervention, and HIV pre/post test counseling

Computer skills necessary to complete on-line forms, enter data, utilize electronic medical records, and utilize MS Word programs for communication and report generation

Preferred:

Be trained and certified to provide recovery coaching/counseling by a recognized body in the State of California

Have been in recovery or treatment for a substance use disorder

Bilingual English/Spanish

Knowledge of Medicare/Medi-Cal, commercial insurance, Covered California and other
funding sources