Behavioral Health Research Counselor

The Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) has a full-time opportunity for a Behavioral Health Research Counselor to support the research of Drs. Andrew Busch and Sandra Japuntich being conducted at HHS' Hennepin County Medical Center.

BIPOC individuals and women are encouraged to apply, as are individuals who are fluent in Spanish and English.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position will support multiple studies as a Research Counselor. This includes studies such as C2Dream, which provides motivational interviewing based care to BIPOC primary care patients as a part of a funded clinical trial grant; Hi Activity, a study which aims to understand how best to help people living with HIV increase their physical activity; and Healthy Heart Habits (HHH-2), a study that aims to help people who have had a cardiac event and are depressed improve their mood and increase their heart healthy behaviors. Other duties may include providing tobacco cessation or other health behavior change counseling on additional research studies, as well as administrative tasks.

A clinical license to conduct counseling or being in the process of actively accruing hours towards such a licensure is preferred but not required. The counselor will complete Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Motivational Interviewing training before treating participants. The Counselor will receive intensive training and clinical supervision from clinical psychologists. The counselor will also provide general support to the projects, which includes assisting in participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, and assessment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The primary function:

• At least 50% of this position is to provide health behavior change counseling as part of research studies. This counseling will be manualized and closely supervised by clinical psychologists. Counseling will occur via telephone or secure video visit.
• Some remote evening and weekend times will be required. Typically one evening per week and one weekend per month.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Screen medical record for potential participants.
• Conduct initial screening interviews to determine program eligibility.
• Conduct enrollment procedures including informed consent.
• Conduct baseline assessments.
• Data entry related to above functions.
• Maintain a variety of records and prepare progress reports for funders as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned by principal investigator and program manager.
• Scholarly activities including presentations and manuscript publications may be available depending on candidates' interest and skill level.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education/Experience:

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills will be considered. Typical qualifications would be a bachelor's degree in public health, social work, nursing, health education, psychology or related field, and two (2) years providing counseling related to smoking cessation, mood management, or health behavior change, or a Master's degree in one of the above fields. Ideal candidates will have a clinical license in the state of Minnesota (e.g. LPC/LPCC, LICSW/LGSW, LMFT/LAMFT) or will be accumulating hours towards licensure.

Preferred experience 1) contributing to clinical research (research targeting smoking, mood, and/or cardiovascular risk particularly relevant), 2) providing counseling/health education in the context of a clinical trial, 3) providing counseling/health education for smoking cessation or mood, and 4) experience in the medical setting.

Skill, Knowledge & Ability:

Requires interaction with diverse population. Spanish fluency is preferred. Must have good verbal and written skills, and effective communication skills. Must have good listening and problem-solving skills. Must have knowledge and experience with theory, principles, practices and techniques of health education/counseling. Experience or familiarity with treatment of health behavior change, mood management, or smoking cessation is preferred. Must have the ability to perform validated health assessments; coordinate with other internal stakeholders; and prepare and maintain records and reports. Displays high standards with respect to attendance, punctuality, and confidentiality. Knowledge regarding clinical research and clinical trials is preferred.

AA/EOE of Minorities, Women, Disabilities, Veterans