Community Health Advocate Internship

Description

The Community Health Advocate (CHA) will serve as a vital member of a research team, working directly  within communities to identify, educate, and enroll individuals eligible to participate in a specific health study.  This role involves in-person engagement with community members, collaboration with local organizations, and promoting understanding and trust around the study's goals. The CHA will facilitate participant recruitment, provide ongoing support, and help address barriers to participation to ensure diverse and equitable enrollment. 

Key Responsibilities:  

Community Outreach & Recruitment:  

• Actively engage with community members in various local settings to inform them about the research study and assess eligibility criteria. 
• Build trusted relationships with community organizations, clinics, and leaders to support outreach efforts. 
• Assist interested individuals through the enrollment process, including scheduling and follow-up communications. 
• Conduct face-to-face outreach, provide informational sessions, and distribute study materials in person, some weekends and evenings. 

Participant Education & Engagement:  

• Explain the purpose, procedures, benefits, and potential risks of the study in clear, culturally sensitive language. 
• Answer questions from community members and alleviate concerns regarding participation. 
• Encourage and motivate eligible individuals to enroll in the study, emphasizing the importance of their contribution to community health research. 

Supporting Participant Enrollment & Retention:  

• Provide ongoing emotional support and help resolve barriers such as transportation, language, or understanding of the study procedures. 
• Coordinate with community-based organizations and healthcare providers to facilitate smooth participation. 

Collaboration & Cultural Competency:  

• Work daily with community organizations, clinics, and local leaders to foster trust and promote study participation. 
• Understand and respect the cultural, social, and linguistic diversity of community members. 
• Advocate for participant needs and communicate community feedback to the research team. 

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural competency skills. 
• Experience working directly with diverse community populations or in community outreach. 
• Ability to build trust and rapport quickly in community settings. 
• Problem-solving skills to address barriers to participation. 
• Ability to manage multiple outreach efforts simultaneously and work independently in the community. 
• Bilingual skills are a plus. 
• Extensive Working knowledge of Microsoft 360 ( Word, Excell, PowerPoint, Outlook) 

Preferences:  

• Previous experience supporting research or clinical trials. 
• Familiarity with local community organizations and resources. 
• Understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health. 

Work Environment:  

In-person community settings, partnering with local organizations, clinics, and community centers. 

Regular travel within the community region.