Behavioral Health Research Specialist
Inside Higher Ed
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- 4 to 6 years of experience in a clinical, research, or behavioral health-related field.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
- Must be comfortable working with patients experiencing psychological distress.
Responsibilities
- Conduct CST sessions via phone or video.
- Complete training for CST intervention.
- Conduct psychological risk assessments.
Skills
Education
Job description
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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world‑renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly‑regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.
The Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center is seeking a Behavioral Health Research Specialist to support a clinical trial examining the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of a remotely‑delivered Coping Skills Training (CST) intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their families. Psychological distress frequently co‑occurs with COPD, significantly impacting patient well‑being and clinical outcomes. Designed to alleviate distress in outpatients with COPD and their families, the CST intervention draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities. The Behavioral Health Research Specialist will have primary responsibility for delivering the CST intervention, which will be delivered by phone or videoconferencing with patients and their informal family caregivers. They will also join and be an important part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the lives of those facing serious illnesses, including improving health equity and access to high‑quality, family‑centered care.
Schedule: While most of this work will be completed during traditional business hours, the employee will provide limited evening and/or weekend hours to accommodate the schedules of participants unable to meet during typical business hours.
- Conduct CST sessions via phone or video, including during weekend and/or evening hours as necessary based on participant availability
- Complete training for CST intervention and psychological risk assessments
- Conduct psychological risk assessments with tentatively eligible and enrolled participants
- Ensure fidelity to intervention by logging field notes, recording selected sessions, and reviewing colleagues’ recordings
- Participate in regular supervision sessions with a clinical psychologist
- Support assigned study activities, including recruitment support, survey administration, distributing participant payments, and maintaining required documentation
- Participate in team meetings
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Bachelor of Science and 4 to 6 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in a clinical, research, or behavioral health‑related field is required. A Master’s of Social Work, Registered Nurse, or Bachelor’s in Nursing with a behavioral focus is highly desirable.
- A native Spanish speaking candidate with bilingual English fluency is preferred but not required.
- Candidate must be open to working some evening and/or weekend hours as needed based on participant availability.
- Must be comfortable spending a majority of time working directly with patients and/or family members experiencing psychological or emotional distress, and be willing and able to conduct psychological risk assessments with these participants following training and ongoing support from a clinical psychologist.
- Detail‑oriented, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills—especially when working closely with diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals—and highly organized. Strong computer skills are essential.
- Ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks to achieve collective goals is crucial.
- Position contingent upon funding.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
$62,000.00 – $62,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level.
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
- Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, with flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Tuition: tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and eligible children, including for external institutions
- Retirement: generous retirement plans, including basic, matching, and supplemental options with pre‑tax or Roth contributions and a wide range of investment choices
- Time Away from Work: substantial vacation and personal leave benefits
- Long‑Term Care Insurance: partnership with Genworth Financial for long‑term care coverage, with favorable underwriting for new hires
- Wellness and Work‑life Resources: programs and resources to support health, family, and work‑life balance
- Professional and Personal Development: resources to advance personal and professional growth
- University Resources: access to libraries, athletic facilities, and cultural activities, with many free or discounted options for faculty and staff
- Discounts and Special Services: free or discounted admission to arts, entertainment, transportation, and more
- Flexible Work Hours: creative approaches to work time, location, or structure to promote balance
- Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees to assist with closing costs or home improvements
- Adoption Assistance: reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses for up to two adoptions in a household
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