Kick It California (KIC) provides free services to help people quit using tobacco and nicotine. Established in 1992 as the California Smokers' Helpline, KIC was the first statewide, evidence-based, telephone-counseling service for smoking cessation in the U.S. KIC provides quit coaching over the phone in six languages - English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese -- and quit help through web, chat, text, and mobile apps. KIC also conducts research related to tobacco and nicotine cessation. KIC is part of UC San Diego's Moores Cancer Center and is funded by grants from the California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, and First 5 California.

The primary responsibilities of the Tobacco Cessation Coach include: answering incoming calls and chats to KIC; placing outgoing calls to people referred to KIC from healthcare providers and other organizations; enrolling people into KIC services or applicable research studies and transitioning into coaching using a standardized intake questionnaire; assisting clients in developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to quit smoking, vaping, and using smokeless tobacco/nicotine products; providing evidence-based education on cannabis and health effects, as appropriate; gathering and recording detailed and accurate client information; maintaining thorough and confidential record of client interactions; participating in various research studies, applying protocols and procedures appropriate to the subject populations; and assisting in the training of new quit coaches.

To conduct this work, coaches are trained on established procedures, protocols, and the utilization of phone and chat interfaces and client management system. The Tobacco Cessation Coach: acquires a thorough grasp of all aspects of smoking cessation, including the psychology of addictive behavior, physiological aspects of withdrawal, and behavior modification techniques that facilitate the quitting process; creates and sustains a supportive, client-focused environment for the change of addictive behavior; continually develops knowledge and skills through training, education, and feedback from supervisor and other coaches; demonstrates a commitment to continuous cultural competence; and respects the dignity, perspectives, and cultures of all individuals to ensure fair and equitable services for all clients.

• Coursework or work experience in related area. Continuing education in related field.

• Fluency in English OR English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin or Cantonese.

• Knowledge or experience in program content and objectives. Knowledge of how to deliver educational programs in a variety of settings.

• Knowledge of how to deliver educational programs in a variety of settings. Demonstrated skill in communicating in a helpful, informative, and supportive manner on the phone, and in providing appropriate interventions based on accurate assessment to a diverse group of study participants.

• Organizational skills to develop a project plan, monitor plans against established deadlines, and review and analyze results.

• Basic effective reading, verbal, written communications and presentation skills to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to maintain positive interactions with others and work cooperatively.

• Experience using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated skill in conducting detailed telephone interviews, and ability to simultaneously use online databases.

• Ability to understand and follow research protocols, including determining subjects' eligibility to participate in studies, randomization procedures, and coding of data.

• Knowledge or experience in customer service or providing direct support to clients.

• Background in counseling, psychology, or health-related field.

• Experience working with individuals with cannabis-use disorder.

• Experience working with youth and teens.

• Thorough grasp of all aspects of smoking cessation, including the psychology of addictive behavior, physiological aspects of withdrawal, and behavior modification techniques that facilitate the quitting process. Basic knowledge of cannabis use patterns and health effects.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and Live Scan/Fingerprinting.

• There will be a 4-week onsite training for this position.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Some holidays and weekends may be required.