What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Researcher - Sipayik position at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness?
Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team! If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team! WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation. Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share. Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the State of Maine.
Position Summary:
Voices of our Elders is a study created to help identify symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia (ADRD) diseases and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) amongst our Tribal Elders. The data from this study will be used to provide information on prevalence of ADRD and MCI in Wabanaki Elders and contribute information to help better understand these conditions. It will also contain components of the Wabanaki Health Needs Assessment (WHNA) for Elders that will collect important health information.
This position would serve as the community researcher that will help administer the study to Wabanaki Elders and assist with data collection and consent. This position is a part-time, temporary position for up to 24 hours a week with flexibility pending on Elder participant availability. The duration of employment for this project will be roughly six months, however, there is potential to remain as an on-call Community Researcher for further research projects conducted by the Center for Wabanaki Research, Knowledge & Innovation.
This position will require individuals to complete all necessary paid training before beginning the research work.
Trainings include:
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Training
- State of Maine Mandated Reporter Training
- In-house Crisis Response Training
- REDCap software Training
- Anthropometric Measurements Training
- Interviewer Tips & Techniques Training
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and conduct interview sessions with the site supervisor at a designated location in your assigned Tribal community.
- Attend regular project meetings/trainings and other as-needed project-related meetings/trainings.
- Attend designated Tribal events to promote and recruit for the research project.
- Conduct all components of the Voices of our Elders survey, utilizing REDCap software.
- Ensure the setting is private for the survey and that all information is kept private.
- Participate in other research related activities as needed.
Education and Experience Required:
- Experience working in or with Maine’s Wabanaki communities
- Basic experience utilizing laptops and app-based software
- Experience with Microsoft Office tools preferred but can be taught
Skills and Qualifications Required:
- Must have great attention to detail.
- Effective time management skills are necessary.
- Compassion and empathy skills are essential.
- Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a flexible schedule and reliable transportation.
- Strong organizational & communication skills are preferred.
- Survey experience preferred but not required.
- Must pass criminal background check.
Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
