SMHC Content Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SMHC Content Specialist

🔹 Company: University of South Florida (USF)

🔹 Location: Tampa, FL, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Higher Education, Research

🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level to 2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Conducting research to inform policy and practice related to students' social, emotional, and behavioral success
• Supporting the implementation of evidence-based mental health practices in educational settings
• Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals and graduate assistants
• Contributing to the Center's mission to improve the well-being of students and support mental health practitioners and educators

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in mental health research and a passion for improving the well-being of students. It is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to gain experience in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Conducting research that informs policy and practice related to the social, emotional, and behavioral success of students

✅ Supporting the implementation of evidence-based mental health practices in educational settings

✅ Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to achieve the Center's mission and goals

✅ Contributing to federal- and state-funded initiatives and providing technical assistance to school districts and professional development to mental health practitioners and educators

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong research skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team. It also demands a commitment to evidence-based practices and a passion for improving the lives of students.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Health) required. PhD preferred.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in research and training related to mental health in educational contexts required.

Required Skills:

• Strong research skills and experience conducting studies in mental health or related fields
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with evidence-based mental health practices in educational settings
• Proficiency in using research software and tools

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with federal- and state-funded initiatives related to mental health in schools
• Fluency in a second language
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional development

ASSUMPTION: While a PhD is preferred, candidates with a Master's degree and relevant experience will also be considered. Familiarity with the educational system and mental health practices in schools is essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year, depending on experience and education level. This estimate is based on industry standards for entry-level research positions in higher education and the cost of living in Tampa, FL.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition remission for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be available for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the University's budget. Benefits are subject to change and may be contingent upon employment status and length of service.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education, Research

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees. As part of a large university, this role offers opportunities for collaboration and professional growth within a diverse and dynamic environment.

Founded: 1964. The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university with a strong commitment to community engagement and student success.

Company Description:

• USF is a comprehensive, high-research activity university serving more than 50,000 students across three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee
• The College of Education is one of USF's 14 colleges and offers a wide range of degree programs and research opportunities
• The School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC) is a multidisciplinary Research, Training, and Technical Assistance Center housed within the College of Education

Company Specialties:

• Higher education and research
• Mental health and well-being
• Evidence-based practices in education
• Community engagement and service-learning

Company Website: usf.edu

ASSUMPTION: As a large public university, USF offers a wide range of resources and opportunities for professional development and growth. The SMHC is a dynamic and collaborative environment that values innovation and evidence-based practices.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level. This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Center and the University.

Reporting Structure: The SMHC Content Specialist will report directly to the Center's co-directors, Drs. von der Embse, Suldo, and Dart.

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site, with some flexibility for remote work. The Center's team works collaboratively and may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunities to co-author research publications and present at conferences
• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the Center or the University
• Access to professional development and training opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in mental health research and evidence-based practices in education. It offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Center and the University.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment. The SMHC is located on USF's Tampa campus.

Office Location(s): 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States

Geographic Context:

• Tampa is a vibrant and diverse city with a cost of living that is generally lower than other major metropolitan areas in the United States
• The Tampa Bay region offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities
• The University of South Florida is a major employer in the Tampa Bay area and plays a significant role in the region's economic and cultural development

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be available for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The SMHC offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values innovation, evidence-based practices, and community engagement. The Tampa Bay region provides a diverse and vibrant context for the Center's work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess qualifications and fit for the role
• In-person or virtual interview with the Center's co-directors and other team members
• Background check and reference checks for the final candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Research skills and experience
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Familiarity with evidence-based mental health practices in educational settings
• Alignment with the Center's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your research experience and familiarity with mental health practices in educational settings
• Be prepared to discuss your research methods and findings, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based practices and your passion for improving the well-being of students

ATS Keywords: Research, mental health, education, evidence-based practices, policy, policy, training, technical assistance, multidisciplinary team, collaborative, student well-being, social, emotional, behavioral success

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their research skills and experience, as well as their commitment to the Center's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Research software and tools (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with research software and tools is essential for success in this role. The Center's team uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its research and collaboration efforts.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and evidence-based practices
• Community engagement and service-learning
• Student success and well-being

Work Style:

• Collaborative and multidisciplinary
• Data-driven and evidence-based
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Committed to the Center's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment?
• Are you committed to evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making?
• Do you have a passion for improving the well-being of students and supporting mental health practitioners and educators?

ASSUMPTION: The SMHC values collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices. Candidates who are adaptable, responsive, and committed to the Center's mission and values are likely to be a good fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines
• The Center's research agenda is dynamic and may change based on funding opportunities and priorities
• The role may require travel to attend conferences or provide technical assistance to school districts
• The Center's team is multidisciplinary, and candidates may need to adapt to working with professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities for growth and collaboration, it also presents some potential challenges that candidates should be prepared to navigate.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to research assistant or associate positions in higher education or research institutions, but with a focus on mental health and education
• It is also similar to content specialist or coordinator roles in non-profit organizations or government agencies that focus on mental health and well-being
• Compared to related roles, this position offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Center and the University, as well as access to a wide range of resources and opportunities for professional development

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other research and content specialist positions, it offers unique opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and community engagement within a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Conducting a systematic review of evidence-based mental health practices in schools
• Developing and implementing a professional development program for school counselors
• Evaluating the effectiveness of a school-based mental health intervention

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the Center's commitment to evidence-based practices and its focus on improving the well-being of students and supporting mental health practitioners and educators.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the Center's research agenda and how this role fits into it?
• How does the Center support the professional development and growth of its team members?
• What is the team's approach to collaboration and decision-making?
• How does the Center engage with the community and support mental health practitioners and educators?
• What are the opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Center and the University?

ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the Center's mission, values, and work environment, as well as the opportunities for growth and development in this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your research experience and familiarity with mental health practices in educational settings
• Prepare for your interview by reflecting on your research methods and findings, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.