Milieu Therapist I

UPMC Northwest is hiring a full-time Milieu Therapist to join the Behavioral Health Team!

The Milieu Therapist role is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the behavioral health field while gaining exposure to different patient populations and a variety of mental health diagnoses. Candidates must be able to work various shifts and rotating weekends and holidays.

Purpose

The Milieu Therapist I performs assigned tasks, and participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, in various aspects of patient care with an emphasis on therapeutic activities conducted with assigned individuals and groups.

Responsibilities

Maintain competency requirementsLearn and utilize up-to-date technology and practices in delivery of patient care. Attend a minimum of 1 unit based of Institute wide in-service yearly.

Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic activity groups effectivelyEncourage or assist patients to perform activities of daily livingAccompany patients to out-of-building activities and appointmentsDocument in the Medical Record according to established policiesManage crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.

Demonstrate effective milieu management skills, which promote positive patient experiences. Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. Provide clinical interventions assessed by client needs

Coordinate Patient Groups and Activities

• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and other activitiesMaintain on-going communication with appropriate staffPerform assigned work in a timely and productive manner
• Completes 1:1 meetings with assigned patients to assess how they are currently doing
• Complete observations of patients as ordered, following all guidelines

Bachelor’s 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. Mental Health experience preferred.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. 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 behavioral health patients as necessary, including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring and pushing and pulling equipment such as wheel chairs.

May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored. No contact with medications is allowed. In the course of duties may be asked to distribute medications to the nurse at the bedside. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

CCMC required within 60 days of hire or transfer

Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)

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UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran