City Research Scientist II / T-TAP Trainer, Bureau of HIV

The mission of the Bureau of HIV (BHIV) is to end HIV transmission, promote the health of all New Yorkers with or vulnerable to HIV, reduce HIV-related inequiteies and combat stigma. 

The Clinical Operations and Technical Assistance program (COTA) works to measure, report on, and improve the quality of prevention and care services delivered to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) as well as those at risk for HIV infection.  In order to do so, the COTA program engages in a variety of activities including clinical and non-clinical provider trainings, assessment of clinical venues via site visits and survey assessments, provision of targeted technical assistance (TA), and production of reports and presentations on findings and implications, and engagement with internal and external partners.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

Under direction, lead in the coordination of research efforts of the agency with other research projects by partnering with Content Tailoring Specialist to coordinate curricula review activities as needed.

• Supervise subordinate staff conducting research/investigations on specific problems in a major scientific field of a physical, biological, environmental or social science, as directed by higher-level research scientists.

• Instruct subordinate personnel in research methods and techniques.

• Conduct research in the development of training content/curriculum based on the evolving needs of the BHIV using applied knowledge of training practices and the principles of adult learning.

• Design, execute and interpret experiments to deliver culturally and linguistically sensitive trainings on topics including but not limited to HIV testing, basics of HIV, education on PrEP and PEP, enhanced outreach, Hepatitis C and related topics that maximize the population's awareness of HIV status, access to and use of prevention, HIV testing, and sexual health services, engagement and retention in prevention and/or medical care.

• Implement trainings related procedural and quality improvement protocols.

• Engage in demonstration role plays and live demonstrations as part of the training.

• Respond to training and technical assistance requests from community providers, providing on-site training in the community as needed.

• Offer community/clinic guidance on suitable trainings, materials and technical assistance as it related to HIV testing, testing technologies and testing program readiness.

• Work closely with training manager in conducting research for literature reviews and developing training-related abstracts.
 
• In partnership with BHIV Programs, designs, executes and interprets experiments to understand current BHIV activities that can inform the development of training and TA activities.

• Maintain records and prepares reports of research projects on training efforts and practices.

• Schedule trainings and technical assistance activities.

• Work closely with the Viral Hepatitis program and support trainings as needed.

• Work closely with the training manager on assigning and contacting internal DOHMH and/or external content experts/trainers to provide trainings.

• Make and record observations on the progress of research/investigations and evaluates data.

• Represent the BHIV, as requested, at both relevant internal and external meetings.

• Perform ad-hoc duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qual Requirements

1.  For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills.

• Must have knowledge of HIV prevention and treatment.

• Experience in HIV testing and testing technologies.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in training preferred.

• Expertise in training delivery.

• Keen attention to detail.

• Experience in completing multiple and diverse assignments.

• Preferred candidates will have strong organizational and project management skills.

• Advanced knowledge of high impact HIV prevention activities.

• An appreciation for data quality, research and program quality management.

• Experience with managing projects such as coordination of workshops/trainings and development and design of questionnaires.

• Ability to oversee the designing of materials, handouts, questionnaires.

• Ability to conduct research related to training to produce literature reviews and conduct abstract development.

• Diplomatic ability to navigate within institutions such as Health Department and Community Based Organizations with different needs.

• Ability to work effectively with a divers staff of trainers, planners, capacity-building experts, clinicians, program managers and service providers within the DOHMH and at external agencies, including the CDC.

Additional Information

**IMPORTANT NOTES TO ALL CANDIDATES:

Please note:  If you are called for an interview you will be required to bring to your interview copies of original documentation, such as:
• A document that establishes identity for employment eligibility, such as: A Valid U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card/Green Card, or Driver’s license. 

• Proof of Education according to the education requirements of the civil service title. 

• Current Resume.  

Additional documentation may be required to evaluate your qualification as outlined in this posting’s “Minimum Qualification Requirements” section. Examples of additional documentation may be, but not limited to: college transcript, experience verification or professional trade licenses.

If after your interview you are the selected candidate you will be contacted to schedule an on-boarding appointment.   By the time of this appointment you will be asked to produce the originals of the above documents along with your original Social Security card.

**LOAN FORGIVENESS

The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the DOHMH qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements. 

Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements:

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

"FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL”

To Apply

Apply online with a cover letter to https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/.  In the Job ID search bar, enter: job ID number # 440596.

We appreciate the interest and thank all applicants who apply, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The NYC Health Department is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and gender non-conforming persons to apply.

All applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.