Research Assistant - Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' HOMES

UTHealth Houston Research Assistant – HOMES Program

UTHealth Houston's Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is hiring a Research Assistant to support the HOMES Program! Under close supervision of the program director, this role conducts data collection and process monitoring according to the SAMHSA‑funded UTHealth HOMES and National Institutes of Health (NIH) research protocols. Education and/or experience working with mental health, substance use, medical, or social services systems, including individuals who are unhoused, preferred.

The program, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through the TIEH Grant, aims to support long‑term mental health recovery, reduce substance use, and improve access to primary care, income supports, and permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness or co‑occurring disorders. Since its launch in 2018, the program has served more than 500 people by providing evidence‑based outpatient behavioral health treatment, psychiatric medication management, primary medical care and coordination, SOAR case management for disability benefits, linkage to supported employment, and housing assessments with navigation through HUD’s Coordinated Access system.

UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full‑time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37–38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

As a world‑renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as:

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Under close direction of senior research staff, conducts activities to support research projects.

• Under close supervision, conducts research activities according to the SAMHSA‑funded UTHealth HOMES and NIH research protocols. Activities may include participant recruiting, screening, enrollment, assisting with informed consent, data collection, administration of clinical assessments and 6‑month follow‑up assessments. Additionally, 20% of the project effort will be devoted to developing motivational interviewing scripts for chatbot development.
• Collects, evaluates, and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers. Updates records and databases as needed.
• Stays abreast of new and updated protocols for research projects.
• Orders laboratory and/or other supplies as directed by senior research staff.
• Coordinates as needed to ensure efficient, timely and high‑quality results.
• Complies with all governmental and University policies, rules, regulations, and codes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

General knowledge of research fields.

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of education.

No years of experience.

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects. This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

This position is a security‑sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code and related statutes.

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.