Research Counselor

Heluna Health invites applications for the part-time, per diem hourly position of Research Counselor in the Center on Substance Use and Health (CSUH) at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The Center on Substance Use and Health conducts pharmacologic and behavioral interventions and observational studies to maximize the health outcomes of people who use alcohol, methamphetamine, opioids, and other substances. We work with people who are actively using substances, and focus on meeting their goals related to their substance use, including reduction in use in harms, prevention or treatment of infectious diseases, or prevention of drug overdose. We conduct research in a community-based environment in downtown San Francisco, with the facilities and resources needed to perform complex clinical research studies (suite of exam rooms, alarmed pharmacy for medication trials, and on-site CLIA-waived laboratory). We are proud to treat people who use substances with respect and dignity and enjoy a close-knit culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and fun.

This posting is for a pilot trial that aims to evaluate the feasibility of providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder among people with or at-risk for HIV. In the position of Research Counselor, you will work under the supervision of a Research Scientist and be responsible for providing ketamine-assisted motivational enhancement therapy (MET) to study participants. Research Counselors will provide in-person therapy at CSUH to 4-6 study participants each over the course of the study (approximately January 2025-26). Time commitment for Research Counselors is estimated at 3-5 hours per week (spread over 2 days per week). You must be willing to work in a team, have clinical experience caring for people with substance use disorders, and have prior training and experience providing ketamine-assisted therapy.

This is a temporary, grant-funded, part-time (3 hours), non-benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.  

Pay range: $61.34-67.85 per hour

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date, or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter AND resume for consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide Motivational Enhancement talk Therapy (MET) in combination with ketamine to study participants in an interventional pilot trial addressing methamphetamine use disorder. (Ketamine sessions will be co-facilitated with a study MD/DO or NP) 
• Participate in a 8-hour Research Counselor training session hosted by the research team in Winter 2024-25 and attend as-needed meetings with the trial coordinator and principal investigator once the study is underway 
• Support the Study Physician or NP in monitoring for, addressing, and/or recording potential adverse events that occur during ketamine or therapy sessions 
• Remain up-to-date with therapy licensure requirements 
• If interested, contribute to the preparation and/or writing of grants and manuscript submissions related to this study
• Perform other related duties as required

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience 

• Therapy licensure (acceptable professional credentials include clinical or counseling psychologist (PhD or PsyD), psychiatrist or other physician (MD or DO), masters of social work (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), masters Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric NP). 
• Training and experience with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) 
• 3 years providing therapy to or working professionally in public health, medical, substance abuse, or social services fields
• Experience with diverse communities, particularly communities of color, LGBTQ, and substance-using communities 
• Experience with HIV prevention and PrEP is preferred
• Experience providing manualized therapy in research settings is preferred

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience providing trauma-informed care 
• Proven high-level of attention to detail, ability to function independently and work collaboratively under dynamic circumstances 
• Familiarity with research processes including data management and quality assurance 
• Excellent organizational skills
• Knowledge of HIV prevention and harm reduction principles
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the protection of human subjects and confidentiality of research records

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand     Frequently

Walk     Frequently

Sit             Frequently

Handling / Fingering    Occasionally

Reach Outward     Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

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

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary : $61 - $68