How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration of 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. (Please label your job application file as follows: last name, first name.)
Summary
The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center (MADC) is seeking a full-time Community Navigator to join its team. This position will be in-person at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave, Detroit, with occasional work at the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in Ann Arbor and at various community event sites in the city of Detroit and surrounding areas.
The MADC is home to a nationally funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). Part of a national network of ADRC's, the Michigan ADRC is leading in its work across university borders with Michigan State University and Wayne State University to support interdisciplinary research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In addition to innovative research, the center at the University of Michigan also provides outreach across the state to educate and support persons living with dementia and their families. The center partners with the community to provide important dementia education in Michigan and seek partnership with those interested in participating in research to join our over 25 studies to make a difference in the pursuit of a cure for Alzheimer?s disease.
The University of Michigan is a member site of the Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC), an NIH-funded national network designed to accelerate effective interventions for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The ACTC proposes, develops, and oversees clinical trials, which are conducted at member sites. The ACTC Recruitment, Engagement and Retention (RER) Unit promotes efficient trial recruitment and successful retention. The RER Unit is committed to enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of all ACTC trials.
The Community Navigator will be responsible for building relationships within local communities that serve as sources of study recruitment and retention. This individual will facilitate community outreach efforts and recruitment events aimed at reaching underrepresented groups for Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC) projects and will assist in tracking and recruiting potential participants across all ACTC projects at the University of Michigan.
We are seeking a positive, highly motivated, organized person with excellent multi-tasking ability and record-keeping skills to work with principal investigators and other research team members to accurately and efficiently carry out a range of tasks associated with clinical trials. The characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position may evolve over time to match changing needs and priorities.
Diversity is highly valued and applications from members of groups underrepresented in health sciences with demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities, cultures and the elder population are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities*
The Community Navigator will work primarily at the University of Michigan Detroit Center and in the Detroit community, 40 hours per week, performing the following duties:
- Work closely with the MADC Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core team, ACTC team, and center leadership to plan and attend outreach and recruitment events in the Detroit community, and act as a liaison between the Detroit community and the MADC, ensuring potential research participants are well-informed on research opportunities and addressing any concerns.
- Identify new community partners in Detroit through churches, recreational centers, healthcare and senior service organizations, etc. and find creative ways to engage with the older adult population in Detroit.
- Educate community members about / recruit for all ACTC projects at the University of Michigan.
- Be an active participant in the ACTC RER unit and attend its annual symposium.
- Coordinate the tracking and recruitment of potential research participants, contacting interested individuals and collecting demographic and medical history information and conducting study-specific screening measures.
- Assist with study visits at the University of Michigan Detroit Center in Detroit and the Michigan Alzheimer?s Disease Center in Ann Arbor, including participant data collection and various administrative duties pertaining to the study.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, public health, or another health-related field
- Interest working with older adults with and without dementia and with dementia-specific programs, care, and outreach.
- Experience working with diverse, multicultural populations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience and interest in public speaking in community-based settings.
- Highly organized, responsible, and responsive, with strict adherence to deadlines.
- Ability to manage many projects with competing priorities.
- Commitment to completing assignments with excellent attention to detail.
- Collegial and team oriented. Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
- Experienced and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with ability to shift gears and remain focused on the multiple demands of the job.
- Eagerness to learn and ability to adapt to changing needs. Flexible and willing to take on new roles as needed.
- Self-sufficient, able to work independently and take initiative, but able and willing to ask for assistance and advice when needed.
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new databases easily.
- Ability to occasionally work an alternate schedule, including evenings and weekends, as event schedule requires.
- Driver's license and reliable transportation
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree in psychology, social work, public health, or another health-related field
- Experience working with older adults with and without dementia.
- Experience working with dementia- specific programs, care, and outreach.
- Research experience including recruitment of participants for study participation.
- Knowledge of Michigan Medicine policies and procedures
Background Screening
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 party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.