Temporary Behavioral Health Research Specialist

University Overview

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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Temporary Behavioral Health Research Specialist

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center is seeking a temporary Behavioral Health Research Specialist for up to 10 hours per week 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. Joanna Hart, MD, MSHP, is the principal investigator and provides faculty leadership for this team.

Job Description

The Behavioral Health Research Specialist will undergo training provided by the clinical psychologist who previously co-developed and has now adapted the intervention for this study. Additional duties will include completing training to conduct psychological risk assessments; administering these assessments to tentatively eligible and enrolled participants; and ensuring intervention fidelity by logging session durations, recording detailed field notes, and recording select sessions for review. They will support additional study activities as needed and participate in regular supervision sessions with a clinical psychologist. They may also assist with eliciting community advisory board feedback about study procedures and contribute to qualitative aspects of the study as they are of interest, including conducting interviews and coding transcripts. They will collaborate closely with the study's project manager, clinical research coordinators, and other external health system partners.

Work and training for this role may be completed fully remotely.

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 the participants unable to meet during typical business hours.

Hourly rate: The hourly rate for this employee will range from $27.58 to $30.33 based on candidates’ education and experience relative to the minimum qualifications.

Position Contingent Upon Funding

DUTIES:

Conduct CST sessions via phone or video, including during weekend and/or evening hours as necessary based on participant availability

Conduct psychological risk assessments with tentatively eligible and enrolled participants

Complete training for CST intervention and psychological risk assessments

Ensure fidelity to intervention by documenting session duration, logging field notes, and recording selected sessions

Participate in regular supervision sessions with a clinical psychologist

Participate in team meetings

Assist in eliciting community advisory board feedback

Perform additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a clinical, research, or behavioral health-related field are required.

Preferred:

A native Spanish speaking candidate with bilingual English fluency.

Demonstrated experience working with community organizations is preferred. Candidate must be open to working some evening and/or weekend hours as needed based on participate availability.

Candidates must also be very comfortable spending a majority of time working directly with patients and/or family members experiencing psychological or emotional distress. They must be willing and able to conduct psychological risk assessments with these participants following training, and with ongoing support, from a clinical psychologist. They must be detail-oriented, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills—especially when working closely with diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals—and be highly organized. Strong computer skills are essential. The ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to achieve collective goals is crucial.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$7.25 - $27.58 Hourly 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Apply