Overview of Pediatric Behavioral Health Specialist

The Purdue University Northwest Psychology Department was recently awarded a 5-year, large scale clinical services grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Unprecedented in terms of size and scope at PNW, this grant project has the potential to positively impact hundreds of Northwest Indiana’s most vulnerable youth and families by partnering with local pediatric healthcare providers to increase and enhance child trauma prevention and intervention efforts. Accordingly, we seek several behavioral health professionals to join our project team to successfully launch these efforts.

The Behavioral Health Specialist will work closely with the Purdue University Northwest Psychology Department and Associated Pediatricians, reporting to both the Project Director and the Associated Pediatricians Administrative Staff.

This position is ideal for individuals:

• With a completed or in-progress master’s degree in psychology, counseling, couple and family therapy, clinical social work, psychiatric nursing, or a related field
• Currently licensed, license-eligible, or needing supervised clinical hours toward licensure in any of the fields listed above
• Seeking a full- or part-time (minimum of 20 hours per week) clinical services position

This is a primarily in-person position at one or more of the pediatric clinic sites in Valparaiso, IN and Portage, IN with occasional in-person meetings and trainings in other parts of Northwest Indiana (e.g., Hammond, East Chicago, Michigan City, Westville, etc.). Work hours will closely align with clinic hours and travel by car between project sites may also periodically be required.

Pay:

• $40,000-$45,000 (for full-time independent contractor)

• $20,000-$23,000 (for half-time independent contractor)

Duties and Responsibilities of Pediatric Behavioral Health Specialist

• Manage and track trauma screening administration process during pediatric clinic visits
• Provide refresher training workshops and consultations to pediatric providers and staff
• Provide psychoeducation and brief in-office interventions to children and families
• Develop psychoeducation print and digital materials for dissemination
• Facilitate monthly parent and adolescent intervention groups
• Provide trauma-informed care consultation to pediatric providers as needed
• Attend weekly and monthly project meetings and training workshops
• Develop and coordinate a feedback loop system for pediatric providers regarding family referrals and follow-up
• Communicate regularly with Project Director, pediatric clinic staff, and project staff to execute project deliverables and problem-solve any unanticipated issues
• Implement quality control and intervention fidelity procedures throughout the entirety of the project
• Maintain confidentiality, privacy, and integrity of clinical data and protected health information
• Perform and participate in other job-related duties as required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field is required
• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field is preferred
• Clinical licensure in Indiana is preferred, but license-eligible and individuals currently accruing clinical hours toward licensure will also be considered
• Knowledge and training related to the impact of trauma on youth and families is preferred

Experience

• Prior clinical experience with children and families is required (e.g., in practicum, internship, or independent practice)
• Prior experience working with trauma-exposed youth is preferred
• High levels of initiative, clear communication skills, organizational skills, proactive and creative problem-solving skills, and ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects
• Computer proficiency including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint

Core Competencies

• Essential attention to detail, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent ability to work independently and balance multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Strong ability to both work as a member of an interdisciplinary clinical team.
• Comfortable in a clinic environment, including ability to interact with patients.
• Spanish language proficiency is highly desired.

Additional Information

Preferred start date: January 8, 2024

Application Instructions:

Submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest (specify whether full-time or part-time)
• List of three professional references with contact information

For questions, contact Dr. Amanda Zelechoski (Principal Investigator/Project Director): amanda.zelechoski@pnw.edu

Application Deadline:

• Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

FLSA Status