Community Health Research Assistant (Hourly), Healthy Lifestyle Center, Department of Pediatrics

Position Summary:
This purpose of this position is to provide support for community-engaged research activities conducted within the Department of Pediatrics at the Healthy Lifestyle Center at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (CHoR).

Qualified candidates will serve as a community-engaged health research assistant for a grant-funded research study conducting a hydration intervention in local elementary schools. Individuals will be responsible for preparation of study materials, conducting health assessments, data collection, and data entry. Individuals will receive training in study methods and conduct study visits at elementary schools throughout the study duration. Additional opportunities to participate in the study in the research laboratory are also available. This position will report to the Senior Clinical Research Coordinator and will work closely with research coordinators and other research assistants within the Center. This position is contingent on grant-funding.

Core Responsibilities:
• Available at least 8 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with availability between 7AM-2PM
• Commitment for duration of at least one public school year (2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027)
• Conduct assessments with elementary aged students including: health assessments (anthropometrics & dental coding), beverage choice observations, quality assessments of water sources, proctoring surveys
• Data collection according to the operations manual
• Assist with intervention activities at schools such as school-wide events and support sessions
• Intervention and assessment material preparation
• Assist research coordinators with other study tasks as required by the supervisor according to the study protocol
• Attend training at VCU, specific to study and school procedures
• Receive Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) certification upon hire

Minimum Hiring Standards:
• High school diploma required
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with individuals across a broad cultural and socioeconomic spectrum
• Ability to interface effectively with external organizations, such as schools and community organizations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex regulations, policies, and requirements for assigned study.
• Excellent organization, time management and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Flexibility with work hours to include early mornings and afternoons

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Some college
• Experience in health or education-related field
• Experience working with children, schools, or community-programs

This position is open until filled.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.