Mental Health Safety Specialist I

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Adult II unit provides inpatient psychiatric care for up to 20 adults, with varying diagnoses. We offer a safe, supportive, and structured environment where healing and recovery can begin. Because each patient’s journey is unique, we encourage individuals to identify goals, gain insight, and develop effective coping strategies. Our professional team is here to listen, provide support, and help each patient move toward greater wellness. The Mental Health Safety Specialist I is responsible for assisting in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment for patients experiencing emotional disturbance. Also assists with the specialized patient care needs of each individual patient using principles of adult development and knowledge of psychopathology.

Requirements

Associate Degree with 2 years work experience within MH/MR service OR Bachelors degree in a Human Services field such as Social Work, Psychology or Counseling from an accredited College or University required.
Other fields of study may be considered with coursework of at least 12 credits in Human Services.
May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored.
No contact with medications is allowed.
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with renewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Nice To Haves

Requirements to advance to Mental Health Safety Specialist II: Actively participates in 1 hospital-based safety related committee/council and shares updates in department meetings.
Participates as a trainer and/or actor in CCM, ACT, or other crisis related training(s) and provides (min. 1) unit-based crisis related in-services.
Leadership letter of recommendation.
ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL BACHELOR’S DEGREE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION.

Responsibilities

Follow Behavioral Health Center philosophy, policies, and standards of care.
Support individualized, family-centered treatment as an active Treatment Team member.
Assist with assessment, care planning, and implementation of treatment goals.
Build therapeutic relationships that support emotional growth and independence.
Facilitate educational, social, and recreational group activities.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, meals, and personal organization.
Maintain unit safety through regular environmental and milieu monitoring.
Respond to crises using least-restrictive, age-appropriate interventions.
Participate in restraints when necessary, and monitor for early intervention needs.
Conduct and support safety drills, training, and incident reviews.
Document patient interactions, safety concerns, and interventions accurately.
Support admissions, hearings, visitation monitoring, and compliance with safety protocols.
Participate in crisis and restraint debriefings to reinforce learning and reduce risk.