Research Associate Sr WPIC - Early Intervention for Youth At-Risk for Bipolar Disorder Study

The clinical research team at CABS led by Dr. Tina Goldstein PhD focuses on developing and studying effective interventions for youth with, and at-risk for, mood disorders and suicide risk.

The team is highly multidisciplinary, with a strong clinical focus. Our research aims to enhance quality of life and outcomes for youth and their families.

The Research Associate Sr will be conducting clinical assessments and brief manualized therapy interventions with research participants in the Early Intervention for Youth At-Risk for Bipolar Disorder study.

This candidate must have excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented, personable and non-judgmental. Good time management and professional communication skills.

The Research Associate Sr will be trained on the specific clinical assessments and manualized interventions. Duties will include : Conducting study clinical assessments with adolescents and guardians, conducting clinical feedback sessions with adolescents and families, delivering study interventions (IPSRT, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy and HL, Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Program) with study participants, completing all study documentation, and performing other research-related duties as assigned.

Some evening (2 nights / week) and weekend hours (1 Saturday / month) will be required.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities :

• Conduct clinical assessments and manualized study interventions with participants. Assessments and intervention will be conducted primarily via by telehealth (a small portion may be conducted in person).
• Diagnose and coordinate appropriate dispositions for potential study participants.
• Complete training in both IPSRT and HL study interventions, establish fidelity to these models, and maintain fidelity.
• Work as part of interdisciplinary treatment team to maintain protocol standards and ensure participant safety.
• Identify and respond to, with consultation from study team, circumstances related to risk management and safety regarding study participants.
• Complete study documentation related to clinical research assessments, and session notes in a complete and timely way.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly therapist supervision meetings.
• Establish and maintain reliability on all study clinical assessment measures.
• Present findings of clinical assessment to supervising clinicians.
• Interface effectively with research and clinical staff to maintain efficient communication about data collection, entry, quality control issues and reports.
• Attend and participate in all project-related meetings, including regular staff meetings, diagnostic consensus conferences, and research team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies / behaviors.
• Masters degree required preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Counseling, Sociology, or related research field.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a research project and / or related clinical setting is required.
• One year of clinical experience with adolescents and families preferred.
• Training in structured diagnostic clinical interviews experience with children, adolescents and adults preferred.
• Ability to maintain flexible schedule required.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written / oral communication skills required.
• Knowledge of DSM5
• Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
• Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.

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