Description:

The University of Houston–Downtown Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is seeking motivated and compassionate students to serve as Student Interventionists as part of their field practicum. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience delivering Problem Management Plus (PM+), a brief, evidence-based psychological intervention designed to help individuals manage common mental health and psychosocial challenges.

Student Interventionists will actively contribute to a research study focused on the implementation of PM+, and offer meaningful experience in direct practice, research ethics, and evidence-based intervention under close supervision.

Duties:

Recruitment and Enrollment

Identify, approach, and recruit potential participants for the research trial

• Provide accurate study information and respond to participant questions
• Obtain informed consent in compliance with research ethics and institutional guidelines

Intervention Delivery

• Deliver five structured sessions of the PM+ intervention to each participant following the established protocol
• Maintain fidelity to the intervention model and ensure timely, accurate documentation of all sessions

Data Collection and Management

• Administer study measures at screening, baseline, and post-intervention time points
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure data integrity in accordance with institutional and ethical standards

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Participate in required training and supervision sessions related to PM+ and research procedures
• Collaborate with the research and field education teams to address challenges, share insights, and enhance intervention quality
• Uphold the NASW Code of Ethics and all policies governing human subjects research

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Foundational social work values, ethics, and professional standards
• Common mental and emotional disorders and culturally responsive approaches to intervention
• Research ethics, confidentiality, and informed consent procedures

Skills in:

• Building rapport and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Delivering manualized or structured interventions
• Managing time, organizing documentation, and following established protocols

Ability to:

• Work independently while adhering to supervision and structured procedures
• Demonstrate empathy, sound judgment, and professional boundaries
• Communicate effectively and maintain accurate records in a research setting

Qualifications (Minimum):

• Current enrollment in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the University of Houston-Downtown
• Approval of the BSW field Internship Application for the current academic term
• Completion of the course “Addressing Common Mental Disorders”, or equivalent PM+ intervention training prior to participant contact

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in mental health, research, or evidence-based practice
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in academic and practicum settings

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.