Lead Research Assistant - 135720

Kick It California (KIC, formerly known as the California Smokers' Helpline) is part of the UCSD Moores Cancer Center. KIC conducts research as well as provides free cessation related counseling service. KIC was the first statewide telephone-counseling service for smoking cessation in the U.S. that was based on experimentally-proven protocol (established in 1992). Cessation service is now provided using telephone and internet-based protocols. The phone counseling service is provided in six languages--English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, and Vietnamese. KIC conducts high-caliber intervention research as well as population studies. KIC is funded to conduct multiple survey and evaluation projects throughout the state, including the evaluation of California's TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education) program. KIC currently has grants and contract in excess of $10 million annually.

Under general supervision, work as a Lead Research Assistant for Kick It California and a liaison between Department Coordinators and student/survey workers. Take a leadership role with language-specific duties. Assist in scheduling, the delegation of duties, protocol development, monitoring and training student/survey workers in the use of survey materials and technical data collection. Set an example for student/survey workers when conducting complex interviews and telephone surveys, including unstructured interviews. Enter survey data into computer database following research protocol and maintain confidentiality. Perform refusal conversion interviewing and test new refusal conversion methods. Exercise independent judgment and decision making to ensure that surveys are properly completed and the objectives of the survey are being met. Manage individual projects that help meet department goals and deliverables. Perform miscellaneous study related duties to include typing correspondence, ordering supplies, and preparing paperwork for reimbursement. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Graduation from High School or a General Education Diploma and 2 years of experience in public contact work or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Fluency and ability to read and write in English OR English and one of the following languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Vietnamese.

• Experience in exercising independent judgment and decision making.

• Experience in surveying and data collection or equivalent. Experience with interviewing assignments, including unstructured interviews or the equivalent experience working with the public.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends and holidays, and work in the field as needed.

• Experience in telephone interviewing or equivalent.

• Proficiency in routine office management skills, such as typing, letter formatting, taking messages, copying, faxing, and ordering supplies.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills using grammatically correct English; excellent and appropriate interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, flexibility, resourcefulness, sound judgment, persistence and assertiveness. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, on the telephone, and in writing.

• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, reliability and ability to work independently and with a team.

• Attention to detail with demonstrated ability to organize materials and information alphabetically and numerically.

• Proficiency in office organizational skills, time management skills, and filing skills.

• Experience in the health care field.

• Demonstrated ability to instruct or aid in the instruction of student workers in the use of survey materials and techniques of data collection.

• Knowledge of smoking cessation and addiction, including the psychology of addictive behavior, physiological aspects of withdrawal, and behavior modification techniques that facilitate the quitting process.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and Live Scan / Fingerprinting.

• Some evenings, weekends, and university holidays required.