Job Summary Table of Mental Health Clinician

Mental Health Clinician Research Role at Columbia University

Job Description Summary

The Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University is seeking a dedicated Staff Associate II (study clinician) to join a research team led by Principal Investigator Dr. Laura Mufson and Co-PI Dr. Christa Labouliere, focusing on adolescent mental health interventions and clinical support services.

🧠 Mental Health Research Position Overview

Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry is at the forefront of mental health research and treatment, particularly in the field of adolescent psychiatric care. This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with renowned experts in the field while making a significant impact on the lives of young people struggling with mental health issues.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in implementing research studies that aim to improve mental health interventions for adolescents experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidality. This position requires a compassionate professional with strong clinical skills who can effectively engage with diverse adolescent populations in various settings, including emergency departments.

📋 Key Responsibilities for Mental Health Research Clinician

• Assess participant eligibility and conduct comprehensive consent/assent meetings with adolescents and their families to ensure informed participation in research studies
• Perform detailed clinical risk assessments of participants at baseline and during follow-up assessments, including administering the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• Develop and implement supportive safety planning and clinical risk management activities for study participants experiencing suicidal ideation
• Provide clinical risk management coverage for research staff during assessments and participant communications
• Implement evidence-based study interventions for participants and provide necessary clinical care during and after study completion
• Coordinate comprehensive case management services to ensure successful connection with outpatient mental health services following study completion
• Collaborate closely with clinical services providing study interventions and support participant care throughout the research process
• Maintain accurate documentation and records regarding participant assessments, interventions, and safety protocols
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the research team leadership

💼 Qualifications for Clinical Research Associate

The ideal candidate for this research clinician position will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work (Master’s degree highly preferred)
• New York State licensure (or license eligible) as a mental health clinician, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC)
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills to effectively engage with adolescents and families in crisis
• Demonstrated comfort interacting with diverse suicidal youth and their families in fast-paced emergency settings (with appropriate training and supervision)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and experience with REDCap database systems
• At least 1-2 years of experience (could be during training or professional practice) providing clinical care to adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders (preferred)
• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience working with adolescents, preferably in crisis settings (preferred)
• Previous experience conducting suicide risk assessments using standardized measures (preferred)

🌟 Benefits and Perks

Working at Columbia University offers numerous advantages for mental health professionals:

• Competitive salary range of $85,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement plan contributions
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to world-class research facilities and resources
• Opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in adolescent psychiatry
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Work-life balance programs and wellness initiatives

🏛️ Company Overview

Columbia University is one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons house world-renowned medical research and treatment facilities, particularly in the field of psychiatry and mental health.

The Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University has a long history of groundbreaking research and clinical excellence in understanding and treating mental health conditions. Researchers and clinicians in this department are dedicated to advancing the science of mental health while providing compassionate care to diverse patient populations.

🤝 Company Culture

Columbia University fosters an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The research teams within the Department of Psychiatry are committed to mentorship and professional development, creating an atmosphere where mental health professionals can grow their clinical and research skills. The university values diversity of thought and background, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches to complex mental health challenges.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities for Mental Health Professionals

This position offers exceptional career advancement potential for mental health clinicians interested in clinical research:

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in adolescent psychiatry
• Mentorship from leading experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health
• Potential for co-authorship on research publications and presentations
• Development of specialized skills in clinical trial implementation and management
• Experience that can lead to advanced research positions or clinical leadership roles
• Networking opportunities within Columbia’s extensive academic and healthcare systems
• Potential pathways to doctoral programs or specialized clinical certifications

🌈 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Columbia University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where all individuals feel valued and respected. The university actively works to create an environment that celebrates different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, recognizing that diversity strengthens our research initiatives and improves clinical outcomes, particularly in mental healthcare.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran institution that explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

🏢 Remote Work Policy

This position requires on-site presence at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center to facilitate direct interaction with research participants, clinical services, and the research team. The nature of clinical risk assessment and intervention implementation necessitates in-person work to ensure participant safety and study integrity.

📝 Application Process

1. Create an applicant profile in Columbia’s online Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system
2. Upload your current CV/resume detailing relevant clinical and research experience
3. Complete the online application form with all required information
4. Selected candidates will be contacted for initial screening interviews
5. Finalists will participate in comprehensive interviews with the research team and department leadership

⏰ Application Deadline

This position will remain open until filled, but early applications are encouraged as the review process will begin immediately.

📤 How to Apply

Applicants must create a profile and upload their CV in Columbia’s online Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system. Visit the official job posting to complete your application.

🔗 Social Media Links

• Columbia University LinkedIn
• Columbia Psychiatry Twitter
• Columbia University Facebook

❓ FAQs or Additional Information

Pay Transparency Disclosure: The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The posted hiring range of $85,000 represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location Information: This position is based at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

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