Behavioral Health Interventionist

Job Description

The School of Nursing has an outstanding opportunity for Behavioral Health Interventionist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Maria Bleil, the Mental Health Practitioner is responsible for performing a behavioral intervention as a part of a new NIH-funded randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT will leverage an established treatment program to target childhood obesity (vs. control) in 240 prepubertal girls who are at risk for earlier pubertal onset based on BMI percentile ≥85th and low family income, both factors linked to earlier pubertal onset. Findings will inform the value and optimal timing of such interventions, including whether implementation in the prepubertal period may be most impactful due to the combined benefits of weight loss along with a reduction in risk for earlier pubertal onset and its sequelae.

The Behavioral Health Interventionist will perform a behavioral intervention focused on health behavior change in a sample of young girls accompanied by their primary caregivers. The behavioral intervention will be conducted in accordance with an established, empirically-supported treatment program and the Behavioral Health Interventionist will be trained and supervised by an experienced researcher with expertise in the delivery of this program. The behavioral intervention will be conducted over a 5-6 month period, including individual sessions with families 1/week and group sessions with families 1/week. The behavioral intervention will be delivered online with a subset of sessions conducted in-person, requiring travel to the study family’s home. The Behavioral Health Interventionist will be responsible for tracking and scheduling families as well as managing session preparations, communications with study families, and required documentation. The Behavioral Health Interventionist will also complete limited data management and data entry tasks as well as other related miscellaneous support and trouble-shooting tasks to ensure the high-quality implementation and documentation of the intervention sessions needed to meet the study goals.

This role will be responsive to the number of active participants in each treatment group and the schedule that is set for that group. Work will typically occur in the late afternoons and evenings on weekdays and will generally be consistent for the duration of the period of treatment (5-6 months). The schedule will change if/when a new group begins. The number of hours will typically be between 4-20 hours/week depending on the number of groups and will not exceed 20 hours/week on average.

Key Responsibilities

Perform individual treatment sessions (65%)

• Perform regular treatment sessions with study families individually. 
• Complete assessments to review treatment plans and goals. Ensure assessments are accurate and thorough.
• Identify challenges that may be encountered during the treatment process and problem-solve issues.
• Complete all required documentation for ongoing treatment activities according to designated guidelines and timelines. Ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure protocol deviations, violations, adverse events, serious adverse events, and research subject complaints or problems are promptly and clearly communicated to the study team and provide documentation if needed.

Perform group treatment sessions (20%)

• Perform regular treatment sessions with study caregivers in groups, including group treatment activities and education.
• Communicate group treatment-related information, progress, and status to study team. Ensure communication is accurate, comprehensive, organized, and timely.
• Assist with ensuring written educational and reference materials are updated and available.

Perform support activities related to individual and group treatment sessions (15%)

• Compile and organize research data and treatment documentation. Ensure data collection is timely, standardized, organized, and accurate.
• Maintain study files in compliance with guidelines. Ensure data is maintained in a manner suitable for analysis and evaluation consistent with patient confidentiality.
• Participate in study intervention team meetings and supervision sessions.
• Maintain current knowledge by conducting literature searches/reviews.
• May assist in protocol development and training tools/manual development.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field and at least two years of related work experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Qualifications

• A current driver’s license in Washington State and the ability to drive in Seattle and the surrounding areas to conduct the treatment sessions in the homes of the study families. 
• At least two years of experience providing direct treatment services to children and families.
• Experience following and implementing a treatment program, protocol, or curriculum.
• Experience in a human subjects research study involving health focused research.
• Excellent problem-solving and organization skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal skills, and team-based skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Previous experience providing behavioral health interventions with children and families.
• Previous experience performing research activities in the home.
• Previous experience using platforms such as REDCap and SharePoint.
• Interest in working with diverse families in areas of health and health disparities.
• Knowledge and experience related to nutrition science, behavioral health, or health promotion.

Working Conditions

• Work hours will vary and will include weekends, holidays, and hours outside of regular business hours to accommodate the schedules of the study families.
• Work will be in a designated research space on campus and treatment sessions will be conducted online and in the homes of the study families or community locations as needed.
• Must be able to carry study materials and equipment required for the data collection (up to 20 lbs.).
• Must be able to drive by car to home treatment sessions as needed.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$34.23 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$47.54 hourly

Other Compensation:

$33.57-$43.90/hour

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

0.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.