A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
We are seeking a highly motivated and self-led candidate to be part of our growing team of researchers dedicated to reducing stigma and public health impacts from substance use, improving access to supportive services, and enhancing the well-being of people who use substances. The Clinical Service Specialist will work directly with research participants enrolled in one or more multi-year research studies integrating motivational interviewing approaches to provide brief interventions, resource navigation, and connection to services (i.e. brief case management). Tasks in this role focus on building trust, identifying participant needs and goals, providing education, supporting participant goals, and helping connect individuals to relevant services. Candidates will apply strong interpersonal and organizational skills to engage participants with substance-related resources, particularly in rural or underserved communities. Other study-related responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and informed consent processes, data collection and analyses, quality assurance activities, maintaining resource lists, and other tasks needed to support study aims.
The person in this position will gain experience delivering manualized substance use interventions and case management support. This position is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of community engagement, public health, substance use services, and innovative research to improve access to care and risk reduction resources throughout the State of Michigan, particularly in underserved rural areas. This position provides the opportunity to work with a thriving and positive team, connect directly with patients and clinics, support practical solutions to real-world barriers, and gain career mentoring and growth opportunities in the field of substance use, public health, and community-based care.
- Deliver manualized study interventions providing brief support, resource navigation, and connection to care to reduce substance use and address participant-identified goals via evidence- supported approaches such as: motivational interviewing, harm reduction/risk reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered counseling, and others.
- Develop and maintain resource lists, participant-facing materials, and additional content related to research aims.
- The job will require engaging with participants and community partners in rural communities to support referral pathways, participant access to care, and additional aims of the study.
- Identify and respond appropriately to clinical risks, including overdose risk, withdrawal concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm risk by conducting risk assessments and carrying out action plans per existing study protocols.
- Support participant recruitment and enrollment, data collection and analysis, and day-to-day study activities for one or more multi-year research studies.
- Travel to the Ann Arbor office and possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan as needed for study activities.
- Adhere to institutional regulations and study protocols related to patient confidentiality, safety, data integrity, and quality, as well as study workflows, documentation requirements, and standard operating procedures.
- Other responsibilities as needed to fulfill study aims and objectives.
To be considered for this position, all applicants for this position will need to demonstrate:
- Education/training in public health, psychology, social work, sociology, health sciences, community health, human services, peer recovery coaching or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Prior experience or training in substance use, behavioral health, public health, harm reduction, health equity, social services, or community-based care.
- Familiarity with patient care and clinical care environments, including mental health, primary care, substance use disorder treatment, community health, or integrated behavioral health settings.
- Ability to take independent initiative and manage time effectively to meet project and participant goals, with strong attention to detail, organization, and strategic planning. Excellent multi-tasking and problem-solving ability, and strong record-keeping practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people who use substances, research staff, and community partners.
- Ability to work and engage with participants and teams remotely; therefore, comfort with technology, remote communication, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic documentation systems is required.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the office in Ann Arbor, MI, with possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Intermediate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 4-5 Years of professional experience in a related field.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Associate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 1-3 Years of professional experience in a related field.
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at any level:
- Prior experience providing resource navigation, care coordination, case management, outreach, brief intervention, or follow-up support to patients, clients, or research participants.
- Prior training or experience with risk reduction approaches to substance use, motivational interviewing, or participant-centered intervention.
- Experience working with or advocating for rural, underserved and under-resourced populations, particularly people who use substances or individuals with mental health, housing, transportation, insurance, or social service needs.
- Previous research experience, particularly experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, participant tracking, data collection, data entry, retention activities, or following research protocols.
- Familiarity with barriers to care in rural Michigan communities, including transportation, stigma, limited service availability, broadband/technology access, cost, insurance, and workforce shortages.
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at the Intermediate Level:
- Master's Degree in a related field.
The person(s) in this position will be responsible for completing a schedule consisting of 40 hours a week, usually held within 5 days.
Our typical workday is either 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm based on manager's approval. Some weekend or evening shifts will be needed to meet the goals/needs of the research grant(s).
Flexible hours are available for staff while we work remotely for participant-facing or research activities only or based on manager discretion and approval.
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-
