The Department of Psychiatry within the University of Michigan Medical School is seeking an experienced, energetic, highly motivated, and organized individual to join a growing research team. This will be a full-time position at the academic staff level with a competitive salary and full benefits (as well as the possibility of converting to a faculty role in the future).
The Implementation Specialist will work with the principal investigator and other research team members of the TRAILS Program: Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students. TRAILS is a statewide initiative that aims to implement and evaluate a training model to increase utilization of evidence-based mental health practices among school and community professionals. The Implementation Specialist will be expected to provide guidance and input regarding the development, expansion, and evaluation of TRAILS; generate ideas and action plans to help TRAILS achieve long-term program sustainability; identify and build relationships with key state- and national partners; and support day-to-day program operations, as needed. Ideal candidates will show the capacity to contribute to the development of a long-term vision for TRAILS and think critically about the implementation challenges the program will face and potential strategies for overcoming them.
Specific responsibilities:
Identify, measure, and address organizational barriers to provider adoption of evidence‐based skills
Inform the design and execution of implementation strategies for school health professionals
Develop programmatic operational manuals to facilitate the expansion and scaling of TRAILS
Develop and apply assessments to monitor fidelity of both the evidence‐based practices delivered by
school professionals and the implementation strategies utilized
Lead development and execution of focus groups and other feedback mechanisms for school staff,
administrators, students, families, and other stakeholders to inform program evolution
Collaborate with trainers, consultants, website content experts, communications staff, statisticians, grant
writers, and other personnel in a team‐oriented manner;
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders at a state‐ and national level
Apply strategic thinking for future program implementation and work with other team members to develop business concepts for TRAILS sustainability
Prepare manuscripts and assist with manuscript development in a team science environment
Required Qualifications:
Master’s or PhD in education, public health, social work, psychology, or related field with at least 2 years of experience in research, implementation, or program evaluation in community settings
Knowledge or experience with implementation or quality improvement science and methods
A solid understanding of evidence‐based practices for child and adolescent mental illnesses and the current shift towards a common elements approach to treatment
Experience working or conducting research in school or educational settings
Experience with and knowledge of fidelity monitoring strategies and practices
Expertise in quality assurance and program evaluation within mental health, or educational settings
An interest in public policy and/or the marketing and sustainability of mental health programs
Highly motivated, organized, and autonomous
Excellent multi‐tasking ability and record‐keeping skills
Computer proficiency (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point)
Desired qualifications:
Strong technical writing and verbal/public speaking communication skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships with community, administrative, and State partners
Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work and communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists,
social workers, evaluators, and school‐based professionals in the community
Ability to demonstrate flexibility within an evolving community participatory research project
Knowledge and skills in applying mixed methods with the ability to oversee qualitative and quantitative
data collection, coding, and analysis
Contact: Jen Vichich, TRAILS Program Coordinator
jvichich@med.umich.edu
