Student Research Worker

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Columbia University's Wellness Center is home to Columbia's Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Institute called 'InTOuCH.' This program recruits trusted members of churches in New York City to complete an 8-week, certified CHW training curriculum. Selected CHWs will participate in the Community Health Workers United to Reduce Colorectal and Cardiovascular Disease among people at Higher Risk (CHURCH Trial), an NIH-funded study. The study partners with Black Churches in New York City to identify community members at risk for colorectal cancer and connect them with colorectal cancer screening options. The study intervention follows the SBIRT model (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treat) with a two-part intervention involving motivational interviewing and utilizing a culturally adapted web based lifestyle coaching platform known as ALIVE! Working alongside community health workers, the study seeks to reduce health system mistrust and build health promotion capacity in the church and the broader community

Responsibilities

As a student research worker, you will primarily work to support the CHURCH Study :

(1) Training & Preparation : Become familiar with study protocols, research strategies, readings, and assessments. Additionally, participate in study-related training, including study introduction training, study measures overview, practical skills training, etc.

(2) Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) :

• Attend colorectal cancer screening events and conduct eligibility screenings
• Conduct baseline, 6month, and 12month assessments and input data into redcap
• Follow up with participants on their colorectal cancer screening status at 6 months.
• Support the conduct of a culturally adapted ALIVE! Program-a lifestyle coaching web based platform
• Support study measures and data collection (e.g., Conduct screening using redcap at baseline, six months, and one year for participants who are deemed eligible for the study)
• Collect BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar measures (finger stick)
• Support community health workers (CHWs) curriculum assessment activities
• Support drafting of study documents
• Provide general research support, including conducting literature reviews, etc.
• Additional responsibilities may be required at the request of the project manager

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualitative research experience, including relevant coursework and / or competency using qualitative analysis software; previous qualitative fieldwork preferred.
• Comfortable working with people of different racial / ethnic, cultural, sexual, and religious backgrounds.
• Have patience and enjoy utilizing principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
• Have a warm and personable approach to providing services to our community.
• Someone who is flexible to meet the shifting needs of our community participants.
• Enjoy working in teams.
• Interest in community, health equity, and health disparities.
• An independent worker who also likes working with a team of colleagues.

Great applicants will possess the following :

• Knowledge of the sociocultural factors (e.g., racism) that contribute to health disparities, with a specific focus on African Americans
• Flexibility in hours (i.e., may work some evenings & weekends); five hours per week
• Strong writing skills and experience / interest in conducting literature reviews
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work with organizations of different religious faiths (e.g., Christian and Muslim)
• Comfort and experience / interest in community outreach
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.