Student Research Assistant, CYAN

SUMMARY

Organization Summary

The California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN) is an independent agency working under the auspices of Heluna Health, a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor.

CYAN currently employs seven staff. Funding is primarily through competitive grants from sources such as the California Department of Public Health Tobacco Prevention Program.

Since 1997, CYAN has been providing tobacco control services in California and throughout the country. What began as a youth advocacy program has grown into a multi-dimensional organization with focused programs in higher education and youth.

CYAN currently provides technical assistance, training, campaign support and networking opportunities to local health agencies, community-based organizations, colleges / universities, and individuals working toward a smoke / tobacco-free California.

Project Background

CYAN, in partnership with the Public Health Institute / Alcohol Research Group (PHI / ARG) and Ohlone College, are conducting a pilot study to examine community college student tobacco use and co-use with alcohol and cannabis;

investigate the extent of student screening and intervention services; and identify student-centered strategies for increased utilization of substance abuse services.

Funding for this project is from the Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP), a program of the University of California Office of the President.

Student Research Assistants are supervised by the CYAN Project Director and / or the Research and Education Program Manager.

They will work with a team of researchers from CYAN, Ohlone College, and PHI / ARG to assess substance use screening and utilization of services at California Community Colleges.

Allan Hancock College students will also receive additional support from a representative from their Student Health Center.

Project Activities

Students will have an opportunity to receive training and participate in research activities with academic and community partners.

Core activities include but are not limited to :

• Development of key informant and focus group interview guides
• Participate in student focus groups at community colleges
• Transcription of notes from interviews
• Qualitative data analysis (i.e., key informant interviews and focus groups)
• Quantitative data analysis (i.e., surveys)
• Draft manuscripts

Student Research Assistant Infrastructure

This position is not a traditional student assistant job with regular set hours or a pre-determined scope of work. There will be a set of required activities that all student researchers will be expected to do such as attend training and support qualitative and quantitative data collection.

The student research position is designed for students to learn, gain practical experience, and grow as scholars, workers, and advocates.

Public health, health sciences, and social science students interested in pursuing a career in public health and / or research are encouraged to apply.

We will offer a robust level of support to each student and the cohort :

• Administrative and programmatic supervision
• Exposure to public health careers and professionals in the field
• Advocacy opportunities

This is a part-time non-benefitted position with a variable work schedule (approximately 28 hours per month). Weekly work hours will vary based on project activities.

The time period for this position is August 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025 (with possible extension to January 31, 2026).

The pay rate for this position is $20.00 per hour.

Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Student Research Assistant Responsibilities

• Commit to approximately 25-30 hours per month of data collection and analysis, group meetings, and trainings
• Attend a mandatory Student Research Retreat on August 3-4, 2024, a Fall Retreat on November 23-24, 2024, and a Spring Retreat on May 3-4, 2025
• Most activities, meetings, and trainings will be conducted virtually, via Zoom, except for the in-person Retreats and campus focus groups (not required to attend but students who can travel are encouraged to participate)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Application Criteria

• Must be enrolled student at Ohlone College or Allan Hancock College for the 2024-2025 academic year
• Must be current Ohlone College or Allan Hancock College student in good academic standing (2.75 GPA or higher)

Desired Attributes and Abilities

• Ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Ability to work as a team member
• Is self-motivated
• Possess good communication skills
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• Possess good time management skills
• Willingness to take initiative
• Openness to public speaking
• Frequently responsive both online and in-person

Certificates / Licenses / Clearances

• Background clearance required
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Frequently

Reach Outward Frequently

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

Push / Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

Hearing Constantly

See Constantly

Taste / Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs / day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs / day)

Constantly (5+ hrs / day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a fully remote position with the exception of three to four in-person retreats.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Position is available immediately. Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

• People with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
• CYAN is a smoke / tobacco-free environment

Selection Process

• A cohort of six student researchers will be selected, three from Ohlone College and three from Allan Hancock College
• Applicants will be contacted for interviews (Zoom only)
• Selection committee will compose of research team members from CYAN, Ohlone College, and PHI / ARG; process will be led and supervised by the CYAN Project Director

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action,