Milieu Therapist I (Western Psychiatric Hospital)
Listed compensation
$20 per hour
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Ready to launch a meaningful career with a national leader in psychiatric care?
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking dedicated Milieu Therapists (MTs) to join our team supporting individuals on their mental health and recovery journeys.
As a Milieu Therapist, you’ll play a hands-on role in a dynamic therapeutic environment, helping patients develop essential life and social skills while encouraging positive behavioral change. You’ll engage directly with a diverse patient population through structured group activities, individualized support, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Each day brings new challenges, meaningful interactions, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
No prior experience is required. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the resources you need to succeed! The schedule for this role will require rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays to best meet patient needs. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour, with adjustments based on experience.
Step into a role where your work truly matters. Apply today and become part of a team committed to healing, growth, and life-changing care.
Responsibilities
- Maintain competency requirements.
- Attend annual in-service training.
- Lead or assist in therapeutic groups.
- Coordinate patient activities.
- Help patients with daily activities and appointments.
- Document promptly and as per policies.
- Handle crisis's and ensure a safe environment.
- Participate in meetings and communicate with staff.
Bachelor's degree in a Human Service 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.
Relevant group/individuals experience with therapeutic and leisure-oriented activities is strongly preferred.
Must be physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent mentally ill patients as necessary, including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring and pushing and pulling equipment such as wheelchairs.
Attention: Bachelors Transcripts Must Be Attached for Consideration.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) - CCM training is required within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance
- Valid/current driver’s license for certain units
- UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in a Human Service field such as Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling is required. Candidates must also be physically capable of providing total physical care to patients and obtain necessary certifications like CPR and CCMC within 30 days of hire.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
Key Skills
Psychiatry — Counselor Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $43k in an average-cost state. 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 40 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 50% are remote, 45% have no call, 65% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $42k | Counselor median $49k (middle half $39k–$54k)16 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$43k in purchasing power | Pennsylvania index 97.6 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Psychiatry listings in Pennsylvania | 6 active | —live on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| All counselor listings in Pennsylvania | 721 active | 12,930 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 50% remote · 45% no call · 65% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Pennsylvania counselor listings (all specialties): 14% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 12% offer loan repayment721 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Psychiatry listings | 1,336 in the last 30 days | 868 the 30 days before (+54%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
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