Research Professional 2 (Social Worker)

About the Job

The Minnesota Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study team is seeking a social worker (Research Professional 2) to support the HBCD study. The study team is led by the Principal Investigators Drs. Sylia Wilson (Institute of Child Development), Anna Zilverstand (Department of Psychiatry) and Michael Georgieff (Department of Pediatrics).

The HBCD study is a NIH-funded national landmark study on the long-term effects of perinatal substance use exposure and other risk and protective factors on infant and child development (https://hbcdstudy.org/). This study includes 7000 women nationally (250 in Minnesota) from various backgrounds, to investigate the brain development, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional function beginning in the perinatal period, and extending through childhood until age 10 of the children. Currently, the enrolled children are 0-3 years old.

The social worker will be responsible for outreach and retention efforts for the HBCD study, and work with the study assessment team and a certified peer recovery navigator with past lived experience of substance use disorder to support study participants. Responsibilities are described below.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Retention & Support of Study Participants - 70%

• Co-developing and implementing a plan for retention strategies with Dr. Zilverstand (5% of time) - current strategies include 1) individual check-ins with families between and at study visits, 2) referrals to services/resources as needed, 3) personalized one-on-one support as needed, 4) monthly drop-in group for study participants, 5) phone "warm-line" for study participants, 6) community building and educational events, 7) yearly event for study participants, 8) study website and newsletter, 9) compensation, 10) non-monetary incentives.
• Maintaining our catalog of local and regional resources and referrals (5% of time), which can be offered to participants as they request or desire, such as how and where to access assistance with substance use treatment, mental and physical health care, housing, food supplies, etc.
• Providing personalized one-on-one support to study participants during study visits (25% of time). The study team includes a certified peer recovery navigator with past lived experiences of Substance Use Disorder. Together with the peer navigator, you will check in with study participants at study visits to answer questions and provide resources/referrals for study participants as needed. Personalized one-on-one support may also include home visits in-between study visits.
• Co-developing a plan and purchasing items for non-monetary compensation of study participants (5% of time), such as for example developmentally appropriate toys or infant/toddler clothing.
• Leading a monthly drop-in group for study participants and providing a phone "warm line" (10% of time) that can be contacted by study participants during business hours for questions and support.
• Contacting study participants in case of a clinically significant incidental finding (5% of time), providing the appropriate referral information (in consultation with the clinicians from the study team).
• Managing our social media accounts and study communication channels (5% of time).
• Organizing, overseeing, participating in and leading events aimed at retaining enrolled participants (10% of time), for example:
• Community events hosted by the University and/or collaborating community organizations around different topics such as for example the goals of the study, the achieved study milestones, and resources available for participating families and beyond.
• Educational events at the University of Minnesota and/or collaborating community organizations, led by researchers or collaborators that are organized around topics that are relevant to young families such as for example breastfeeding, infant care, perinatal depression, child development, parenting & healthy relationships.
• Communication with child welfare contacts (state and county level) to coordinate the participation of previously enrolled children that are now involved in the child welfare system (as needed).

Supervise and support of assessment and scheduling team - 20%

• Supervision of the certified peer recovery navigator (5% of time).
• Supervising students who prepare a study newsletter, and/or send out cards and non-monetary incentives to study participants (5% of time).
• Supporting the assessment team as needed (5% of time).
• Touch based with scheduling team (5% of time).

Meetings - 10%

• Participate in meetings with the principal investigators and study assessment team. Collaborating with and consulting the assessment team on available resources for study participants.
• Participate in meetings of the local HBCD Community Advisory Board, which will consist of community members and health care providers, and will consult the study team on the implementation of the protocol, inform targeted retention efforts, identify priorities and needs of partner communities, and perform community outreach.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal six years.
• Prior professional experience with providing personalized one-on-one support.
• Prior professional experience working with women with substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, listening and writing) and ability to establish and maintain positive rapport with a variety of clients and professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to work on-site at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), Institute of Child Development (ICD), Department of Psychiatry, and/or Department of Psychology in Elliott Hall.
• Ability to work 1-3 weeknights or weekend days per week, depending on study phase.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office based software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in social work.
• Prior professional experience with research with human subjects.
• Prior professional experience with community outreach.
• Prior professional experience working with mothers and/or families with infants and/or young children.
• A valid Minnesota driver's license and access to a vehicle with insurance coverage to travel to recruitment clinics and community events (mileage will be reimbursed).

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
• Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The salary range is $24 - $30/hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.