As part of the School of Social Work at Portland State University, the Regional Research Institute (RRI) conducts innovative research, training, and program evaluation to address critical community issues. This RRI position will be housed within the Oregon Health Authority, Portland State Office Building (800 NE Oregon St., Portland).

The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project is an anonymous survey and HIV testing for populations at increased risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and people at increased risk of HIV via heterosexual transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds NHBS in more than 20 U.S. areas, including the Portland metropolitan area. The project collects data on sexual and drug use risk behaviors, use of prevention services, and the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection. NHBS data help public health agencies better understand and address the HIV epidemic. The population of interest for 2024 is people who inject drugs.

This position will conduct interviews and HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) counseling and testing for the Portland National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) 2024 data collection cycle. This position will receive direction from the Project Manager, Field Operations Manager, and Assistant Field Supervisor. This position will be housed at Portland State University with travel to the Portland State Office Building (800 NE Oregon Street, Portland) and throughout the Portland metropolitan statistical area.

Job duties will include:

• Screening participants for eligibility and obtaining informed consent.
• Completing computer assisted interviews with participants. After required training, you will use CDC-approved survey software to conduct in-depth standardized interviews and enter survey data.
• Conducting HIV and HCV testing and counseling. After required training, you will collect blood specimens for HIV and HCV testing via finger sticks, provide HIV and HCV test results and pre- and post-test counseling, and enter testing data.
• Participating in meetings with the research team and in evaluations and feedback on interviewing and testing procedures
• Assisting full time staff with obtaining and returning participant incentives at the beginning and end of assigned shifts.
• Working non-traditional hours as needed—some interviewing/testing sessions may take place late in the evening or on weekends

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience in research work. The experience must show the gathering of data from various sources; the tabulating or classifying of data into prescribed formats, forms, or reports; and the using of computers to retrieve, edit, or tabulate data; OR

An Associate’s degree with courses in research methods or statistics and basic computer concepts.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Proficient in English and Spanish;
• Ability to adhere to strict detailed protocols;
• Ability to comply with strict protocols in confidentiality;
• Ability to learn and use computer data entry systems;
• Ability to quickly establish rapport with strangers, especially underserved or marginalized populations including gender and sexual minorities, racial/ethnic minorities, people experiencing houselessness, and people who use drugs
• Experience taking direction and collaborating on project tasks;
• Certified to perform HIV counseling and testing or willingness to attend training;
• Availability for nights and weekend shifts;
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting standardized interviews/surveys;
• Experience working with online data entry and/or database software to monitor project operations;
• Lived and/or professional experience working with people who inject drugs
• Basic knowledge of HIV epidemiology and prevention;
• Experience providing HIV counseling and testing;
• Experience in conflict resolution.

Key Cultural Competencies

Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

This is a part-time hourly position, averaging just under 20 hours per week (.49 FTE). Some shifts will be evenings and weekends.