Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to work as medical record abstractors (MRAs) for the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). DAWN is a data collection effort sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
DAWN will collect emergency department data from a sample of hospitals across the U.S., with a focus on identifying sentinel drug events. In the wake of the opioid epidemic, SAMHSA’s focus for DAWN is to be a true early warning system for drug-related events and identify new and emerging drugs and use patterns; the goal is to make this surveillance data quickly available to participating hospitals and health officials at the local level.
The primary role of the MRA is to review medical records in a sampled hospital’s emergency department, abstract specific information from the patient’s chart following the project’s case identification protocol, and enter the information into a data collection tool.
Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment, regular testing for COVID-19, or other screening activities may be required. Due to study protocols, client requirements, the sample population, and public health regulations, field employees hired on DAWN 2023 must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire, and they must follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Be available to complete mandatory web-based home study training sessions prior to in-person training.
• Be available to complete in-person training at the assigned hospital after completing the home study.

Minimum Requirements

• Be available for the data collection field period from May 2024 through June 2028. Additional work may be available after the expected field period ends.
• Be available to work on a schedule defined by the assigned hospital (approximately 10 hours per week) when work is available. Schedule may require daytime, evening, nighttime, and/or weekend hours.
• Have 1 year of MRA or similar work experience.
• Be able to work independently in a hospital environment and maintain a good rapport with hospital staff.
• Be familiar with medical terminology and medical records.
• Be able to work consistently in an organized manner. Must be conscientious, dependable and able to work well with others.
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and/or carry 15 pounds of study materials, and
  • Be able to kneel/bend to access and lift hard-copy files if required by hospital protocols.
• Have regular and reliable access to a telephone service with a long-distance calling feature, either landline or cellular.
• Have regular and reliable access to a secure high-speed internet connection.
• Have a valid (current) driver’s license that is not under suspension.
• Have regular and reliable access to an insured vehicle.

Preferred Criteria

• At least 1 year of experience in a job with exposure to medical terminology such as a medical billing coder or emergency medical technician, or have worked in a hospital or doctor’s office.
• Knowledge or experience with electronic health record systems.
• Have excellent computer and math skills.
• Be able to read medical charts in English.
• Have excellent communication skills.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history.
This is a part-time variable hour, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance.
All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 7 days, and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.
Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.