Behavioural Interventionist/Smoking Cessation Trial – Botswana-UPenn Partnership

The Botswana-UPenn Partnership is a mutually beneficial collaboration between the Government of Botswana, the University of Botswana and the University of Pennsylvania that builds capacity in the fields of clinical medicine, research and enhances academic life. We implement several globally recognised clinical and research programs.

We seek outstanding dynamic, self-motivated & qualified individuals to apply for the position of:

Job Title:                             Behavioural         Interventionist/Smoking Cessation Trial

Position Type:                    Full Time

Position Location:             Gaborone

Position Duration:            2 Years renewable

Position Description:

The Behavioural Interventionists will perform counselling and data collection in the Thotloetso Smoking Cessation Trial. These will include two types of telephone-based smoking cessation counselling: standard counselling and a novel behavioural activation/problem solving strategy. Behavioral interventionists will be responsible for counselling sessions by telephone with HIV+ smokers and completing and tracking all study- related documentation, and regular communication with the Research Coordinator and the study Principal Investigators.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Assisting with the adaptation of the standard counselling for smoking cessation and modifications to the Behavioural Activation/Problem Solving intervention as directed.
2. Interfacing with the Research Assistants who hand off newly consented participants.
3. Scheduling counselling sessions, collecting data on participants’ smoking related behaviours.
4. Providing counselling as delineated by the Manual of Procedures.
5. Recording the telephone sessions for later assessment of fidelity to the protocol.
6. Monitoring of fidelity to the intervention by assessing audio recordings of other colleagues.
7. Maintaining a high degree of professional integrity and confidentiality of patient data at all times.
8. Communicating with PI/co-PI regularly on study progress and discuss any issues as they arise.
9. Interacting with other study team members to coordinate all aspects of study management.

Essential Functions/Job Duties:

1. Learning and applying principles and practice of smoking cessation counselling.
2. Learning and applying principles and practice of clinical research procedures.
3. Interfacing with study team members to ensure smooth trial operations.
4. Accurate and complete data collection.
5. Strict fidelity to the individual counselling procedures.

Experience and Qualifications:

At least 1-year work experience and undergraduate degree in psychology or related field. Facility with basic computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Being fully fluent in English and Setswana and the right of employment in Botswana. Experience in behavioural counselling highly preferred.

Essential Functions/Job Duties:

1. Learning and applying principles and practice of smoking cessation counselling.
2. Learning and applying principles and practice of clinical research procedures.
3. Interfacing with study team members to ensure smooth trial operations.
4. Accurate and complete data collection.
5. Strict fidelity to the individual counselling procedures.

Experience and Qualifications:

At least 1-year work experience and undergraduate degree in psychology or related field. Facility with basic computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Being fully fluent in English and Setswana and the right of employment in Botswana. Experience in behavioural counselling highly preferred.