Research Associate 2, Early Detection and Assessment Coordinator

Yale University; New Haven (CT); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Early Detection and Assessment Coordinator (EDAC) at Yale University will serve as the STEP Hub’s primary representative across CT LMHA catchments, collaborating with DMHAS and DCF to support the STEP Learning Collaborative. The role aims to improve access and quality of care for first episode psychosis across Connecticut.

This hybrid position requires onsite work at 40 Temple St, New Haven, with occasional meetings across the state.

Qualifications

• Experience in a behavioral healthcare setting (outpatient, inpatient, or mobile crisis) with screening, intake, triage or risk assessment.
• Knowledge of common behavioral health diagnoses and referral decision factors.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders to improve access and quality of care for FEP populations in CT.
• Ability to conduct outreach to patients and families, including in-person meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research within the study protocol and adhere to human subjects regulations.
• Develop admission criteria and assess potential study subjects and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with multiple sites and partners; manage data forms and reporting.

Skills

Behavioral health experience

Outreach & liaison

Data entry & management

Risk assessment knowledge

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Master’s Degree in a related discipline

Tools

SIPS

PANSS

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

The Early Detection and Assessment Coordinator (EDAC) will be the STEP Hub’s primary representative across the LMHA catchments. In collaboration with Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS) and Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Program for Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) now has built a statewide Learning Health System, called the STEP Learning Collaborative. STEP is the Hub for a network of spokes based in 12 Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHA) or agencies. This network covers all catchments in the state. The mission of the STEP Learning Collaborative is to improve Access and Quality of care for all individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) or recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders across Connecticut.

Work Model

This is a hybrid position, will require time onsite at STEP's physical location at 40 Temple St New Haven and also occasional on-site meetings at various agencies and/or hospitals across the state.

Core Tasks Will Include

• Early detection activities – including outreach to patients & families, and liaison with all referral sources (clinical and non-clinical) including in-person meetings and events.
• Staffing the state’s centralized non-emergency referral line, which invites calls from patients, families, clinicians and a wide variety of referral sources (clergy, educators) screening and triaging calls, familiarity with risk assessment and state’s mobile crisis resources.
• Routine outcomes assessments and entry of data into STEP’s informatics platform – including the use of specific scales with patients, and extraction of data from clinicians and administrative/healthcare databases (prior experience with rating scales (e.g., SIPS, PANSS) is preferred, training is available).
• Presentation of clinically relevant information to LMHA clinicians to assist in their engagement and care of FEP patients and families.
• Coordination with the hub staff to support all LC activities.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Experience as a trainee or staff member in a behavioral healthcare setting (e.g., outpatient clinic, inpatient unit, mobile crisis team), including exposure to clinical screening, intake, triage, or risk assessment processes.
• Knowledge of common behavioral health diagnoses, clinical presentations, and factors that inform differential diagnosis and referral decisions.
• Ability to navigate in community and clinical settings to ensure communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders of Step Learning Collaborative mission i.e., improve Access and Quality of care for all individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) or recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders across Connecticut.
• Ability to conduct outreach to patients & families, and liaison with all referral sources (clinical and non-clinical) including driving to in-person meetings/outreach efforts and events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders; Attention to detail, especially in data acquisition and entry.

Preferred Skills And Abilities

• Experience and comfort working with individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Familiarity with commonly used scales in schizophrenia research (e.g. PANSS, SIPS)
• Prior work on teams with mobile outreach, crisis call centers, and work with populations with adverse social determinants
• Applicant must have valid driver’s license and own mode of transportation
• Training in a behavioral health discipline, such as: LMSW, MSW, MPH, LPC, LMFT, bachelor’s degree, nursing, etc.
• Excellent presentation skills; Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Clinical license preferred but not required.

Principal Responsibilities

• Carries out research within the scope of the established study protocol. Adheres to all human subjects regulations as defined by Yale University and the federal government that pertain to research studies. 2. Develops criteria for admission of study subjects based on goals and objectives of project. 3. Determines potential sources of funding and prospective partnerships. 4. Evaluates feasibility of accepting potential projects through analysis of staffing needs, resource requirements, financial costs, and current planned capacity of group. Negotiates contracts and/or changes with funder. 5. Develops original HIC/IRB submissions. Based on knowledge of science and research goals, collaborates with PIs on major revisions and contributes to scientific protocols. Plans and implements changes. 6. Develops forms, questionnaires and the application of research techniques; writes procedures manuals for data collection and coding. 7. Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that report forms are accurately documented and completed in a timely manner at each site location. 8. Works independently to develop manage and organize multi site studies. Serves as primary coordinator between University, non-Yale collaborators, pharmaceutical companies, HIC, IRB and funding sources. 9. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software. 10. Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data. 11. Contributes in-depth, original thought and relevance to written reports and to the writing of abstracts and manuscripts. Required Education and Experience Master’s Degree in a related discipline and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required License(s) or Certification(s) Required License(s) or Certification(s): Physical Requirements Physical Requirements:

Job Posting Date

08/10/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 2 HSS (23)

Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

This role is a healthcare worker position. Healthcare workers (HCW) are defined as university employees working a healthcare setting who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients, human research subjects or infectious materials including body substance, contaminated medical supplies, devices and equipment, surfaces, or air. HCW have specific health requirements that must be met prior to starting work, including MMR vaccine or immunity, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or immunity, TB screening, COVID vaccine according to University policy, hepatitis B vaccine or immunity, and annual flu vaccination.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco‑free campus.