Recruiter / Driver x 2 (Fixed Term Contract - Wits SYNAPSE)

Reference: JHB004025-RM-1

Background

• We envision a world where every person has equitable access to high-quality, stigma-free health care that protects dignity

• Our research drives innovation across health systems and priority public health challenges, moving beyond treatment towards prevention and wellbeing

• We bridge clinical science and implementation, creating sustainable, contextually relevant systems, digital tools, and predictive models that transform how care is delivered and accessed

• We strive to conduct innovative research that shapes global health practice, while building a research unit that is resilient and influential

• At SYNAPSE, our commitment is to accelerate science into action, delivering health solutions that last, matter, and reach everyone

Duties & Responsibilities

Main purpose of the job

• To support the recruitment and retention of participants for clinical research studies conducted by SYNAPSE Research Collective

• The role includes community-based recruitment and outreach, participant follow-up and retention activities, and safe transportation of participants and/or Study staff as required

• All activities must be conducted in accordance with applicable study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), site procedures and ethical requirements

Location

• SYNAPSE Research Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg

Key performance areas

Recruitment and community engagement

• Implement study-specific recruitment strategies in collaboration with line management and Study Teams to support achievement of participant recruitment targets

• Conduct community-based recruitment and outreach activities at approved recruitment locations

• Identify appropriate recruitment opportunities and locations in accordance with study-specific recruitment plans and ethics-approved procedures

• Engage appropriately with clinics, community organisations and other relevant Stakeholders to support participant recruitment and referrals

• Provide potential participants with accurate, protocol-approved information about relevant research studies

• Maintain accurate manual and electronic recruitment, referral and screening logs in accordance with project requirements

• Provide regular feedback to the Study Team regarding recruitment activities, challenges and opportunities

Participant education and support

• Explain study requirements and relevant study procedures to potential and enrolled participants using approved study materials

• Facilitate participant questions and refer clinical or study-specific questions to the appropriate member of the study team where required

• Support participant information and informed consent processes where appropriately trained, delegated and permitted by the study protocol and site procedures

• Maintain participant confidentiality, privacy and professionalism at all times

Participant retention and follow-up

• Support the development and implementation of study-specific participant retention strategies

• Monitor participants visit schedules and identify participants who are approaching or have missed scheduled study visits

• Confirm participant visits through approved communication methods, including telephone calls and SMS, as directed by the Study team

• Conduct participant tracing and approved home or community follow-up visits where required

• Maintain accurate records of participant contact and retention activities in the appropriate manual and/or electronic logs and source documentation

• Reconcile scheduled visits against participant attendance and follow up outstanding participants as required

• Identify social or practical barriers that may affect study participation and facilitate referral to appropriate services in consultation with the Study Team

• Escalate participant retention concerns or difficulties to the appropriate Study Team member promptly

Driving and Participant transport

• Safely transport Study participants and/or Study staff as required for study-related activities

• Drive site vehicles for community-based recruitment, participant tracing, outreach and other authorised study activities

• Ensure the safe, professional and respectful transportation of participants at all times

• Complete required vehicle, trip and mileage documentation accurately and timeously

• Conduct routine vehicle checks as required and promptly report vehicle defects, damage, incidents or safety concerns in accordance with site procedures

• Ensure responsible use and care of assigned study vehicles and compliance with applicable road traffic laws and organisational procedures

Administration and reporting

• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date recruitment and retention documentation

• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly recruitment and retention reports are completed and submitted timeously, as required

• Update relevant study logs, source documents and other study documentation as required and within the scope of delegated duties

• Assist with day-to-day participant-related activities and study logistics as required

• Ensure that participant information and study documentation are handled confidentially and securely

Self-management and teamwork

• Take ownership and accountability for assigned tasks and demonstrate effective self-management

• Ensure that the quality and productivity of own work is consistently maintained

• Inform the relevant team member promptly when tasks or deadlines cannot be met and contribute to identifying appropriate solutions

• Work collaboratively with Study and Clinic Teams to achieve recruitment, retention and study objectives

• Communicate professionally and appropriately with participants, colleagues, community atakeholders and other partners

• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, professionalism and respect

• Respond constructively to feedback and contribute positively to the functioning of the team

• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility and willingness to assist with study activities within the scope of the role

Required minimum education and training

• Matric/Grade 12

• Valid South African Driver's License

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and isiZulu

• HIV Management and/or Counselling training would be advantageous

• Willingness and ability to undertake regular community and field-based work

• Ability and confidence to drive safely in urban, peri-urban and community settings

Required minimum work experience

• At least one year's relevant work experience in Community engagement, Recruitment, Counselling, Participant/Client-facing services, Administration or a related role

• Experience working directly with members of the community

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Previous experience in clinical research, HIV/SRH programmes, community-based recruitment or participant retention would be advantageous

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds

• Strong listening, communication and time-management skills

• Ability to work independently in community settings and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Demands of the job

• Regular work in both clinic and community/field settings

• Regular driving and transportation of participants and/or Study staff

• Community and home visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and other environmental conditions

• Ability to work effectively in challenging community environments and engage respectfully with people from diverse background

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work toward study recruitment and retention targets

• Some flexibility in working hours may be required according to study, participant and recruitment activities

TO APPLY

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV

• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website t