Milieu Therapist I - UPMC Washington

UPMC•Washington, PA

About The Position

The Milieu Therapist I supports patient recovery in UPMC Washington’s Behavioral Health Unit by facilitating therapeutic and leisure-oriented activities and helping create a safe, positive environment where patients can participate in their care and healing. The role includes providing clinical interventions based on client needs, coordinating groups and activities, and meeting individually with assigned patients to assess their well-being. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or another field with at least 12 credits of human services coursework. Mental health experience is preferred. The schedule rotates across days, weekends, and holidays, with daylight and afternoon shifts structured as either three 8-hour shifts or two 12-hour shifts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, such as social work, psychology, or counseling, from an accredited college or university; another field of study may be considered with at least 12 credits of human services coursework.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to provide direct total physical care to unpredictable behavioral health patients when necessary, including lifting, supporting, running toward or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment such as wheelchairs.
Comprehensive Crisis Management.
Acts 31, 33, 34, and 73 clearances.

Nice To Haves

Mental health experience.
Relevant experience leading or participating in therapeutic and leisure-oriented group or individual activities.

Responsibilities

Attend at least one unit-based or Institute-wide in-service each year.
Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic activity groups.
Encourage or assist patients with activities of daily living.
Accompany patients to activities and appointments outside the building.
Document in the medical record according to established policies.
Manage crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
Use effective milieu management skills to promote positive patient experiences.
Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
Provide clinical interventions based on client needs.
Coordinate patient groups and activities.
Meet one-on-one with assigned patients to assess how they are doing.
Complete ordered patient observations in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Distribute medication to the nurse at the bedside when asked; medication access is limited to this distribution, and contact with medications is not allowed.