UConn Health Helps Study Participants Find Employment

This Patch article is sponsored by UConn Health.

The UConn Health, Calhoun Cardiology Center-Division of Behavioral Health is using research study to help participants discover new employment. Rather than place study participants in jobs, the study offers referrals to agencies and creates an environment where job searching doesn’t become overwhelming

Patch had the chance to chat with Marcia DeSousa, Research Assistant, UConn Health, Division of Behavioral Health, about their role in the community.

Patch: How long have you been in the medical/healthcare field?

DeSousa: I have been working in this field for 13 years.

Patch: What attracted you to the medical/healthcare field, and how did you get started?

DeSousa: I was drawn to this position because I liked the idea of working alongside a team of people to help others.

Patch: What kind of services do you or your organization specialize in?

DeSousa: My department at UConn Health specializes in clinical trials research. We recruit community members to participate in research studies that compare interventions to one another. This type of work helps us understand which treatments work best.

Patch: Tell us a bit about the hospital, practice or organization you represent. Help our readers get to know you better.

DeSousa: We have locations throughout CT – in Hartford, Farmington, Middletown, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Our research study aims to help people who are currently unemployed and drink alcohol. Looking for work can be overwhelming and discouraging for some. We try to help people stay engaged with the job-seeking process so they reach their goal of new employment.
Any interested individual can call me or one of our other research assistants for more information. We will ask you a few questions to see if you qualify. If you qualify, we would schedule a meeting with a research staff member. It is always your choice whether to participate and you can decline if this is not the right opportunity for you.

This study involves weekly meetings for 12 weeks. In addition, we ask you to complete research interviews every few months. We do not place people in jobs, but we do refer participants to agencies that can help with that process. Our weekly meetings help you stick with the process without getting overwhelmed. All participants are paid for participating in the research study. Some participants have a chance to earn rewards (e.g., gift cards) for completing study-related tasks.

Patch: What’s your favorite thing about this job?

DeSousa: When a person tells me they landed a job, I am truly happy for them! I enjoy seeing and celebrating those successes with our study participants. You can see the change and impact it has on their attitude, wellbeing, and overall happiness.

For more information, please reach out to Marcia DeSousa at 203-800-6614.