Milieu Therapist I

UPMC•Cranberry Township, PA

About The Position

UPMC Northwest is hiring a full-time Milieu Therapist to join its Behavioral Health Team. The role offers exposure to different patient populations and a variety of mental health diagnoses. The Milieu Therapist I performs assigned tasks as a member of a multidisciplinary team, participating in patient care with an emphasis on therapeutic activities for individuals and groups. Candidates must be able to work various shifts and rotating weekends and holidays.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, such as Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling, from an accredited college or university.
Applicants with other fields of study may be considered if they have at least 12 credits of human services coursework.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to work various shifts and rotating weekends and holidays.
Physical capability to provide direct total physical care to unpredictable behavioral health patients as needed, including lifting, supporting, running toward or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing or pulling equipment such as wheelchairs.
Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) certification required within 60 days of hire or transfer.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Mental health experience.
Relevant experience with therapeutic and leisure-oriented group or individual activities.

Responsibilities

Maintain competency requirements and learn and use up-to-date technology and practices in patient care.
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.
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and other activities.
Maintain ongoing communication with appropriate staff.
Complete assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
Meet one-to-one with assigned patients to assess how they are doing.
Complete patient observations as ordered and follow all guidelines.