Social Worker I - Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (SAFEGUARD, Pathfinding)

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Social Worker I - SAFEGUARD Pathfinding Guide who will provide case management support to active duty servicemembers recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric treatment as part of a large-scale research study that will evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention for reducing suicide and other harmful behaviors. This role involves remotely administering a one-on-one intensive case management intervention to active duty servicemembers.

Project Summary: The Suicide Avoidance Focused Enhanced Group Using Algorithm Risk Detection (SAFEGUARD) research initiative will use machine learning and predictive analytics to identify soldiers at greatest risk for suicide, and deliver targeted interventions, trainings, and psychoeducation programs aimed at mitigating risk for suicide and other harmful behaviors. SAFEGUARD consists of three projects - Life Skills, Life Force, and Pathfinding - that will evaluate the effectiveness of three different targeted interventions. This role will support the SAFEGUARD Pathfinding project, which will evaluate a case management intervention designed to support at-risk soldiers following discharge from psychiatric hospitals. The Pathfinding intervention is a 6-month remote case management intervention that combines elements of Coping Long Term with Active Suicide Program (CLASP) and Critical Time Intervention (CTI).

This position will be in support of the Department of Psychiatry / Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) is one of the nation's oldest and most highly regarded, academic-based organizations dedicated to advancing trauma-informed knowledge, leadership and methodologies. The Center's work addresses a wide scope of trauma exposure from the consequences of combat, operations other than war, terrorism, natural and humanmade disasters, and public health threats as well as risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behaviors. CSTS is a part of our nation's federal medical school, Uniformed Services University (USU), and its Department of Psychiatry. These affiliations represent the Center's history, mission and future directions as a major contributor to our country's understanding of the impact of trauma and the advancement of trauma-informed care. Learn more about the CSTS.

The Department has active research programs in the Basic and Clinical Sciences and Neurosciences. In addition to intramural research projects, the Department maintains active research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Science Foundation, the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force. The department has ongoing collaborations with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is sponsor of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress and provides psychiatry residency training through its affiliations with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Naval Medical Center and Malcolm Grow Air Force Medical Center and the National Capital Area Graduate Medical Education Consortium.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike.Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Learn and become proficient with a manualized case management intervention, and deliver this intervention remotely via Zoom to active duty servicemembers admitted to, or recently discharged from, inpatient psychiatric units.
• Deliver all components of the case management intervention and study protocol with high fidelity.
• Provide feedback on the intervention and assist in refining training materials as needed.
• Participate in regular meetings (at least weekly) with the clinical supervisor to receive mentorship and guidance.
• Meet periodically with the research team to receive study updates/summaries and to receive consultation on intervention delivery and other feedback or input regarding the study.
• Promptly report any emergent participant safety issues to the clinical supervisor.
• Responsible for the precise and timely completion of all clinical study documentation, adhering to strict organizational standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in compliance with HIPAA, DOD regulations, and organizational standards.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or other health-related field of study required; Doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required
• Experience working with military service members, families, veterans, or with high risk clients highly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience working directly with active-duty military service members, veterans, or military families, or personal military service experience, is strongly preferred
• Deliver a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the unique experiences and challenges of military personnel, particularly those related to combat exposure, operational stress, and institutional stigma.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and crisis management protocols to intervene in critical situations and ensure participant safety. Work closely with the clinical supervisor to manage urgent or emergent mental health situations
• Strong ability to assess psychological risk, including suicide risk, and collaborate with the participant and the clinical supervisor to develop and implement effective safety plans
• Track and document participants' progress and engagement with the intervention, ensuring accurate and timely data entry for the research study. Contribute to ongoing data analysis and report findings to the research team
• Experience providing case management or mental health services remotely, including using video conferencing platforms like Zoom, and understanding the dynamics and challenges of delivering care via telehealth
• Familiarity with evidence-based psychoeducational interventions (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral / Acceptance and Commitment Interventions, Motivational Interviewing [MI], Problem-Solving, mindfulness-based interventions, and/or related approaches).
• Experience with and/or knowledge of psychology, social work, or a related discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing, identify and resolve problems, and deliver feedback
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to use information for making timely and effective decisions or judgments
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate case management schedule to meet deadlines
• Prior clinical experience with psychiatric inpatients or other high-risk populations (e.g., partial hospitalization patients) strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with military populations or within the military health system strongly preferred
• Proven ability to be a team player, flexible-minded, willing to take the initiative, assertive, and multi-task with different projects
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 public trust investigation.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current, unrestricted, independent license as a clinician from a state in the U.S. highly preferred (e.g., including, but not limited to, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, LICSW, LP, HSP)

Work Environment

• This position is fully remote.
• The position requires a flexible approach to working hours, as participants may be in different time zones, or face unpredictable schedules due to military operations.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $35.48-$45.67. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.