Liaison Contact Tracer - San Diego State University Research Foundation

The hourly rate for this position is $18.50 - $20.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and non-negotiable.

The South Bay Latino Research Center (SBLRC) seeks to promote and expedite research that improves cardiovascular disease outcomes in low-income Hispanic/Latinos living in the border region of San Diego. The SBLRC is considered the community-based clinical research field site within San Diego State University (SDSU) where research activities are conducted.   The SBLRC primarily focuses on epidemiologic, behavioral, and genetic research in an effort to improve health, well-being, and the care delivered to Hispanic/Latinos who are at risk for, or have, cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  

Housed within the SBLRC, the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multi-center, interdisciplinary epidemiological study of Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and other institutions, centers, and offices of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goals of the HCHS/SOL study include further study of the prevalence and development of chronic disease in Hispanics/Latinos, the role of acculturation in health conditions, and to identify factors that play protective or harmful roles in health among Hispanics/Latinos. This longitudinal cohort study is intended to address a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and diabetes, among others. The target population recruited from the South Bay area of San Diego County includes over 4,000 persons of Hispanic origin between the ages of 18-74.

Under the direction of the study Coordinators, Managers, and Project Director this position is responsible for conducting home visits that may include but not limited to: Updates contact information, traces “unable to locate” study participants and/or their next of kin, drops off or retrieves materials from study participant’s homes, and conducts data collection.

In addition, this position supports the study’s operations team during examinations and assessments requiring a home visit, assists in the collection of death certificates from vital records governmental offices, performs administrative and clerical duties in support of the retention and data collection activities of the HCHS/SOL.

The Liaison Contact Tracer is responsible for but not limited to:

Home Visits/Field Work 95%

Following the study research protocols, conducts home visits to locate lost to follow up participants or their next of kin to update participants contact information. Assists the study operations team during home examination visits; conducts data collection, which is primarily in Spanish,  as needed and drops off and picks up of study materials. Documents results of home visits and updates team on important information learned during the home visit. Collects vital records from governmental offices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned: 5%

Participates in study related meetings and trainings. Serves as back up for front desk duties, and other administrative assignments. Works closely with Project Managers, Project Coordinator and Project Director to meet study goals. Other duties are assigned as needed.

Qualification and Special Skills

• Knowledge of the South Bay area and it’s community.
• Knowledge of field data collection, entry and organization.
• Knowledge of informed consent process, questionnaires administration, interviewing techniques and research methods.
• Knowledge of general administrative support duties such as reception duties, filing, and clerical tasks.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and effective use Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Google Suite, etc., to create reports, and documents; attend and participate in meetings; communicate and share documents.
• Valid driver’s license and access to own transportation (mileage reimbursed), provide acceptable proof of automobile insurance and access to Motor Vehicle Record (DMV Pull program).
• Ability to provide good customer service, build trust and good rapport with study participants.
• Ability to have phone etiquette while assisting participants over the phone.
• Ability to work outside of the office and travel to different locations in the South Bay community.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply elementary research methods, protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential documents and information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.
• Ability to complete the Human Subjects Training and Certification upon hired.
• Ability to work with a flexible work schedule and adapt to working variable hours as needed to include mornings, evening and weekends.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant records; recruit participants, collect data and conduct follow up interviews.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups in English and in Spanish.
• Ability to relate well to others (coworkers, management/administrative team and participants) within the project environment.
• Ability to independently interpret and execute detailed policies, procedures, and methods, and to carry out assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to arrive to work on time, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to be organized, meet deadlines, display detail orientation; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-culture sensitivity when interacting with participants from a variety of socioeconomic and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate efficient time management skills.
• Highly motivated and self-starter.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Completion of sufficient lower division college coursework.
• Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of college coursework.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience conducting community field work.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (reading, writing and speaking).
• Experience conducting data collection in the field.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.