Milieu Therapist I

UPMC•Jamestown, NY

About The Position

UPMC Chautauqua Hospital is seeking a casual Milieu Therapist to support individuals receiving behavioral health care. The role involves direct engagement with a diverse patient population in a structured therapeutic environment, helping patients develop life and social skills and encouraging positive behavioral change. The therapist facilitates group activities, provides individualized support, assists with activities of daily living, and helps maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu. Training and ongoing support are provided, and prior experience is not required. The schedule includes day shifts, 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; other fields of study may be considered with at least 12 credits in Human Services.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to provide direct total physical care to unpredictable behavioral health patients as necessary, including lifting, supporting, running toward or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing or pulling equipment such as wheelchairs.
Obtain AHA-issued BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
Complete New York Mandated Reporter requirements within 90 days of hire or transfer.
Submit a New York SCR Application within the first week of hire.
Complete CCM training within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter.
No contact with medications is allowed if the employee is in rooms where medications are stored; medication access is limited to distributing medication to the nurse at the bedside.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain competency requirements.
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.
Effectively 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 their current status.
Complete ordered patient observations according to applicable guidelines.