Clinical Research Coordinator I (Casual) The Program for Neurobiology of Stress Response and Suicide

The Program for Neurobiology of Stress Response and Suicide is dedicated to understanding the biological markers of stress and suicidal behaviors. We have a range of studies looking at predictors of onset and recurrence of psychopathology and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth across the spectrum of psychopathology. The encumbered will provide support for biological samples (e.g., blood draws) for various research procedures. They will also assist with managing health concerns related to the blood draw (e.g., fainting, dizziness, nausea) and write comprehensive notes for documentation. The ideal candidate has experience with patient care, is comfortable interacting with patients in a research environment who have varying degrees of psychiatric illness and history of suicidal behaviors. The ideal candidate takes excellent detailed notes, seeks out opportunities to learn, and is comfortable working with children as young as 12 years old.

This position is grant funded. 

Purpose:
The casual Clinical Research Coordinator will work with physicians, nurses, other allied health professionals, and research staff to coordinate clinical research efforts provided at UPMC.

Responsibilities:

• Takes responsibilities for identifying his or her ongoing professional development needs and seeks resources and opportunities to meet those needs, such as through membership in nursing or research organizations. Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the research study. Supports the development of others. Creates an open environment of open dialogue, inquiry and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.
• Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the job.
• Age Specific Competency: The individual must be able to identify the patient’s particular needs regarding age, education level, literacy and the presence of any language barriers so that all clinical research related instructions can be adapted to the patient’s needs. This is particularly important regarding the informed consent process. Must also be aware of the various institutional resources to facilitate this process.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
• Demonstrates leadership in ensuring patient comprehension and safety during initial and ongoing informed consent discussions. Demonstrates leadership in ensuring adherence to ethical practices during the conduct of research in order to protect the rights and well-being of patients and the collection of quality data. Utilizes multiple communication methods to facilitate the effective conduct of research. Supports the development of new staff and colleagues, may serve as a preceptor.
• Actively participates in the department’s quality improvement efforts. Identifies opportunity for quality improvement to colleagues and management. Takes personal responsibility in improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service provided.
• Identifies the financial variables that affect research. Uses a variety of resources and strategies to manage the care of patients participating in research, ensuring compliance with protocol procedures, assessments, and reporting requirements as well as management of symptoms. Utilizes a variety of strategies to enhance recruitment while being mindful of the needs of diverse patient populations. Facilitates compliance with the requirements of the research protocol and good clinical research practice while remaining cognizant of the needs of the diverse patient population. Provides leadership to the research team in ensuring collection of source data and completion of documentation that validated the integrity of the research.