Responsibilities:

• Working within established research study protocols, assists in the administration of research studies and clinical research trials.
• Works under general direction to recruit, screen, and enroll study subjects, schedule subjects for visits, administer the research instruments, and ensure that subjects complete all requirements for the study.
• Works with contacts within Sheppard Pratt and at other Baltimore area patient program sites in order to recruit study subjects.
• Demonstrates an understanding of patients/individuals with serious mental illness in communications with study subjects.
• Reports relevant medical and clinical information to the principal investigator and other study investigators.
• Performs phlebotomy; collects vital signs and biological specimens from study subjects after training.

Requirements:

• Work requires written and verbal communication skills and general knowledge of psychopathology of persons with serious mental illness - acquired through possession of Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field.
• Work requires valid Maryland driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout tenure in the position.

• Work requires six months to one year of work experience in a clinical or research environment. Previous experience with serious mental illness strongly preferred.

• Work requires proficiency with word processing software.

• Work requires analytical ability sufficient to accurately utilize study rating scales and research instruments and appropriately identify concerns to bring to the attention of the study principal/or and supervisor.

• Work requires interpersonal skills sufficient to actively recruit study subjects and interact effectively with chronically mentally ill patients and program staff of SP and external programs (51-80% of work time).

• Work requires the ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail in performing research tasks and frequently (21-50% of work time) produces a high level of mental/visual fatigue.

• Generally sedentary work but requires standing and walking between car and programs for research appointments (6-20 % of work time) as well as talking, hearing, mid-range vision and field of vision.
• On occasion, work requires travel to study sites and patient locations in the Baltimore region.
• Must obtain phlebotomy certification within 6 months of hire (Certification arrangements will be provided.)