Interventionist

Interventionist - Peredo Lab

Position Summary:

The Interventionist is a vital position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. This individual will support an NIH Phase 1 clinical trial investigating a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) approach for Latino families. The Interventionist is a 30 hour, 75% full-time term position responsible for implementing intervention procedures with participants in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, NIH guidelines, Vanderbilt Policies, and research protocols. The Research Assistant II reports directly to the Senior Research Associate/Project Director.

The Interventionist will support multiple aspects of project operations, including recruiting potential participants, communicating with potential and enrolled participants, delivering NDBI strategies at high fidelity in person to young children on the autism spectrum, coaching families to implement NDBI strategies, managing research materials and data according to IRB and all other relevant policies, and participating in research team meetings. This position requires bilingual competency in Spanish and English, with strong written Spanish skills; native fluency in Spanish is preferred. This position also requires experience and comfort interacting with young children, children with developmental disabilities, and their families.

Note: The anticipated duration of this role is dependent on continuing availability of funding. Work hours are flexible and based on research participant appointments and team needs, which are scheduled at all times of day, including morning, afternoon, late afternoon, and may also be scheduled on the weekends. This role is hybrid including days on campus and out in the field in the Nashville metro area; some remote work is allowed. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Deliver intervention according to study procedures

• Deliver evidence-based interaction strategies in Spanish at criterion levels of fidelity with young children on the autism spectrum

• Communicate in a timely and professional manner with participating families to coordinate intervention visits, both verbally and in writing

• Adapt intervention delivery to meet individual family needs while maintaining fidelity to the research protocol
• Model evidence-based interaction strategies while explaining use of the strategies in parent-friendly terms
• Support parents to use intervention strategies with their children in naturalistic contexts by providing in vivo coaching and feedback during play, book-sharing, and other naturally-occurring routines
• Provide information to parents and respond to questions accurately, clearly, and respectfully during sessions
• Develop culturally sensitive, family-centered intervention plans in collaboration with caregivers

Support participant recruitment activities

• Assist with outreach and recruitment efforts targeting Latino families in the community

• Communicate with prospective and enrolled families in Spanish, both verbally and in writing

• Conduct phone screenings with prospective participants to determine initial eligibility in accordance with IRB protocols

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant tracking logs and screening records

• Follow up with families who require additional contact to support retention

Manage Materials and Data

• Maintain organized and confidential records of project documents, session logs, correspondence, video and audio records, and materials

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Interventionist reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Research Associate/Project Director and the Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience is required. Relevant equivalent experience may include at least 5 years of experience working with children with autism and coaching caregivers. A degree in a field such as Psychology, Special Education, Communication Sciences, Human Development, or a related field is preferred.

• Certification for human subjects research is required (or must be completed upon hire).

Experience and Skills:

Required

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, with strong written Spanish skills; native fluency in Spanish is preferred

• Background in clinical practice and/or research related to early childhood development, developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder 
• Experience working with young children and families

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work professionally and sensitively with diverse Latino families

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Ability to follow detailed research protocols and procedures with fidelity

• Ability to lift and carry materials, walk across campus daily, and stand for extended periods

• Access to reliable personal transportation for participant coordination and materials collection

Strongly Preferred

• Prior experience in a research setting, particularly in clinical or behavioral research

• Experience with REDCap or other data management systems

• Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to equitable and inclusive research practices

• Demonstrated ability to complete data entry accurately and efficiently
• Clinical or research experience working with young children with autism spectrum disorders in naturalistic contexts