What are the responsibilities and job description for the NHBS Community Health Interviewer/HIV Test Counselor position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
05/16/2025
Classification Title
Research Analyst 1
Working Title
NHBS Community Health Interviewer/HIV Test Counselor
Department
240200 - RRI Regional Research Institute
Position Number
D94026
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
.49
End date, if applicable
12/31/2025
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
As part of the School of Social Work at Portland State University, the Regional Research Institute (RRI) conducts innovative research, training, and program evaluation to address critical community issues. This RRI position will be housed within the Oregon Health Authority, Portland State Office Building (800 NE Oregon St., Portland).
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project is an anonymous survey and HIV testing for populations at increased risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and people at increased risk of HIV via heterosexual transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds NHBS in more than 20 U.S. areas, including the Portland metropolitan area. The project collects data on sexual and drug use risk behaviors, use of prevention services, and the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection. NHBS data help public health agencies better understand and address the HIV epidemic. The population of interest for 2025 is cisgendered men and women at increased risk for HIV via heterosexual sex.
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project is an anonymous survey and HIV testing for populations at increased risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and people at increased risk of HIV via heterosexual transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds NHBS in more than 20 U.S. areas, including the Portland metropolitan area. The project collects data on sexual and drug use risk behaviors, use of prevention services, and the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection. NHBS data help public health agencies better understand and address the HIV epidemic. The population of interest for 2025 is cisgendered men and women at increased risk for HIV via heterosexual sex.
Position Summary
This position will conduct interviews and HIV testing and counseling for the Portland National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) 2025 data collection cycle. This position will receive direction from the Project Manager and Field Operations Manager. This position will be housed at Portland State University and the Portland State Office Building (800 NE Oregon Street, Portland) with majority of shifts at outreach sites throughout the Portland metro area.
Job duties include:
- Attend mandatory in person trainings on 5/30/25-6/1/25 and 6/6/25-6/8/25
- Screening participants for eligibility and obtaining informed consent.
- Completing in-depth, standardized, computer-assisted interviews with participants
- Entering interview data using CDC-approved survey software
- Conducting rapid HIV and syphilis testing and counseling. After required training, you will collect blood specimens for HIV and syphilis testing via finger sticks, provide HIV and syphilis test results and pre- and post-test counseling, and enter testing data.
- Participating in meetings with the research team and in evaluations and feedback on interviewing and testing procedures
- Assisting full time staff with obtaining and returning participant incentives to the project office at the beginning and end of assigned shifts.
- Working non-traditional hours as needed—some interviewing/testing sessions may take place late in the evening or on weekends
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
- Two years of experience in research work. The experience must show the gathering of data from various sources; the tabulating or classifying of data into prescribed formats, forms, or reports; and the using of computers to retrieve, edit, or tabulate data; OR
- An Associate’s degree with courses in research methods or statistics and basic computer concepts.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
- Proficient in English;
- Ability to adhere to strict detailed protocols;
- Ability to comply with strict protocols in confidentiality;
- Ability to learn and use computer data entry systems;
- Ability to quickly establish rapport with strangers, especially underserved or marginalized populations including gender and sexual minorities, racial/ethnic minorities, people experiencing houselessness, and people who use drugs
- Experience taking direction and collaborating on project tasks;
- Certified to perform HIV counseling and testing or willingness to attend training;
- Availability for evening and weekend shifts; Access to reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficient in Spanish;
- Experience conducting standardized interviews/surveys;
- Experience working with online data entry and/or database software to monitor project operations;
- Lived and/or professional experience with underserved or marginalized community (e.g., people experiencing poverty, houseless people)
- Basic knowledge of HIV epidemiology and prevention;
- Experience providing HIV counseling and testing; Experience in conflict resolution.
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
This is a part-time hourly position, averaging just under 20 hours per week (.49 FTE). Some shifts will be evenings and weekends.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible position. Hourly rate is $21.42
Application Instructions
Additional Information
This appointment is contingent upon successful completion of both PSU and Oregon Health Authority background checks.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
To apply, please email your resume, a cover letter, and contact information (email and phone number) for three professional references to chimein@pdx.edu , with “Community Health Interviewer” in the subject line. Thank you!
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Salary : $21
