Senior Research Assistant

Position Summary

The Institute on Aging (IOA) at Portland State University (PSU) conducts research and provides education to promote the‑being of older adults. The Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging (OCEBHA) improves care for older adults with behavioral health needs. The Older Adult Behavioral Health Training Program Manager will lead training curriculum development, event planning, and partnership building across Oregon.

• Develop and maintain training curriculum for behavioral health professionals working with older adults.
• Plan and coordinate training events statewide, collaborating with trainers and community partners.
• Catalog existing training resources and create toolkit materials.
• Build and sustain partnerships with community-based organizations, including culturally‑specific services.
• Collaborate with OCEBHA Workforce Development Lead Coordinator and leadership team to align training with workforce goals.
• Travel to different locations across the state approximately once per quarter.
• Maintain effective communication with local and national community and interdisciplinary collaborators.

• Graduate degree in social work, public health, psychology, or related field.
• Two or more years as a Research Assistant or equivalent, with demonstrated research or evaluation skills.
• Ability to develop training materials for professionals in behavioral health and aging services.
• Experience collaborating with community partners in behavioral health and aging services, including culturally‑specific services.
• Knowledge of behavioral health needs of older adults.
• Experience planning training for professionals and for students.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with local and national community and interdisciplinary collaborators.

• Training/experience in behavioral health topics such as substance use disorders.
• Experience planning in-person training events (e.g., conferences, webinars).
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practices pertaining to older adult behavioral health.
• Experience working with clinical interest groups.
• Experience developing training materials such as toolkits, factsheets, or newsletters using published literature and Center reports.
• Ability to work with OCEBHA staff to develop workforce‑specific deliverables for the funding agency and community partners.

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully within varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all PSU policies, including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and actively work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Every member of the PSU community must conduct themselves in accordance with PSU Professional Standards of Conduct.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $69,216 at 1.0 FTE on a 12‑month term of service. The salary may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. Benefits include 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.