Employment at UPMC – Research Associate WPIC | PRISM Study

The STAR Research department studies aim to reduce adolescent suicidal risk through novel approaches to assessment and intervention. The “heart” of our program of research is the Services for Teens at Risk (STAR) clinic, which provides rapid assessment and evidence-based treatment for suicidal adolescents. Our patients have inspired NIMH funded studies taking novel approaches to assessment of suicidal risk and to develop and test novel interventions for pediatric primary care (where the majority of suicidal patients are seen) and psychiatry inpatients, who, post-discharge have extremely high suicide rates.

The goal of the PRISM study is to


develop effective assessments of adolescents and young adults using novel methods, including machine learning and computer adaptive testing. The Research Associate WPIC is involved with monitoring the workflow of research protocol, working effectively in data management, as well as conducting semi-structured clinical assessment interviews to ensure the timetable of project interviews is followed.

There will be travel associated with this position split between The CMU-Pitt Brain Imaging Data Generation & Education (BRIDGE) Center and Bellefield Towers.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities

• Adherence to protocols and ensuring data collection/coding reflects the aims of the department and specifically the PRISM studies.
• Participate in group supervision to refine diagnostic skills and make appropriate corrections.
• Communicate effectively with research, clinical and administrative staff to maintain efficient and appropriate interactions.
• Act as a key team member in obtaining written consent forms, completing appointments, and collecting data by conducting phone or face to face interviews for research project(s).
• Contact and schedule potential participants from a designated pool of individuals who have agreed to be contacted for research studies and those who contact research study with interest in participating.
• Conduct in-person and telephone semi-structured interviews and clinical assessments and write descriptive clinical summaries (after necessary on-the-job training).
• Assess suicidal risk and contact physician investigators when further assessment and intervention are needed.
• Ensure that complete data projects are turned in promptly.
• Conduct data collection with participants according to a research protocol, including providing oral and written instructions to participants.
• Monitor computer testing and assessment and ensure the safety and comfort of human volunteers during participation in this research.
• Attend and participate in all project-related meetings, including regular staff meetings, diagnostic conferences, and research team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required preferably in psychology or related field. Masters degree preferred.
• One year behavioral health experience preferred.
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Prior related work experience in a research setting preferred.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
• SCID-5 or other diagnostic experience preferred.
• Experience with young adult mentally ill population preferred.
• Experience with mental health diagnosis preferred.
• Highly responsible and dependable individual.
• Possess excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills to enhance interest in the study and participant experience.
• Proficient with computers and tablet applications and Microsoft Excel.
  

Licensure, Certifications, And Clearances

• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
  

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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