Temporary Study Interventionist

About the role

The Study Interventionists will deliver one of two telephone-based treatments (described below) to people with HIV (PWH) who drink at unhealthy levels as part of an NIAAA-funded randomized clinical trial (RCT) called the ACCEPT Study. The Study Interventionists will: (1) receive formal training in either a Brief Alcohol Intervention (BI) or a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, (2) implement the brief intervention with PWH who are enrolled ACCEPT, carrying a caseload of 1-5 participants at a time, and (3) receive 1-hour/week of group supervision with a licensed clinical psychologist who is faculty member at Syracuse University and Study Investigator on the ACCEPT. Both interventions are delivered weekly via telephone with 6 total telephone calls. For the BI: Call 1 lasts approximately 45 minutes and is focused on assessment of moods and situations that result in heavy alcohol use, basic education about alcohol and HIV, and the creation of a drinking agreement. Call 2 lasts approximately 5-10 minutes and is a brief check-in to assess progress towards drinking goals. Call 3 is a reminder phone call. Call 4 lasts approximately 45 minutes and is focused on strategies for reducing alcohol use. Call 5 lasts approximately 5-10 minutes and is a brief check-in to assess progress towards drinking goals. Call 6 is a final reminder phone call for the post-treatment follow up study visit. For the ACT intervention, each call lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, and involves psychoeducation about an ACT-related concept (e.g., acceptance, defusion, values), practice of a new ACT skill related to that concept, and the creation of an agreement to practice ACT skills and reduce alcohol use.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in an area of psychology, mental health, or related field. Demonstrated evidence of basic counseling skills (e.g., Motivational Interviewing). Organizational skills and attention to detail; strong verbal and interpersonal skills.

Skills

Experience with delivering basic counseling interventions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participation in mandatory 3-4 day training on ACT or BI.
• Delivering the intervention consistent with the ACCEPT study treatment manuals and standardized operating procedures.
• Scheduling weekly intervention phone calls with assigned study participants (and rescheduling as necessary).
• Audio recording all intervention sessions for later group supervision and fidelity monitoring.
• Ensuring participants are compensated after each intervention session.
• Participation