Student Behavioral Associate - UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

Student Behavioral Associate Opportunity

Millions of Americans live with mental illness- nearly one in five adults, and more than one in seven children and adolescents ages 6-17. If you are a current student in a behavioral health or healthcare program and are seeking meaningful, real-world experience in psychiatric care, we invite you to join our growing team.

As a Student Behavioral Associate, you will support the physical and emotional care of psychiatric patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role provides hands-on clinical experience that directly aligns with your academic studies and future career goals in behavioral health!

What You Will Do:

• Support psychiatric daily routines and activities for daily living
• Observe patient behaviors and document care
• Assist with de-escalation and crisis intervention
• Help maintain a safe, structured and therapeutic environment
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team

Where You Will Work:

• Western Psychiatric Hospital inpatient units
• Address: 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Our inpatient teams serve children and adults of all ages with a wide variety of mental health conditions.

Your Schedule:

• This is a casual position- shifts are primarily weekends to accommodate class schedules
• Shifts include day, evening and night rotations
• Must be available to rotate weekends and holidays
• Year-around commitment required (extended holidays or summer-only availability cannot be accommodated)

What We Provide:

• No prior experience required!
• You will be provided with comprehensive onboarding and training
• This will include classroom training and unit shadowing within the first 4-6 weeks of employment to ensure you are set up for success!
• This is a paid position at the set rate of $18.54 per hour.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience directly aligned with your academic studies and career aspirations. If you're eager to make a real impact while growing professionally, we encourage you to apply today!

Responsibilities:

• Patient Care & Assistance: Assists with physical care, clinical interventions & daily activities.
• Documentation & Communication: Document in medical records. Communicate with treatment team regarding patient observations & care.
• Safety & Crisis Management: Maintain a safe environment. Effectively manage crises using positive approaches.
• Team Participation & Environment Maintenance: Participate in interdisciplinary meetings. Ensure a safe & clean milieu.
• Professional Development: Stay up to date on technology, best practices and hospital compliance policies.

Qualifications:

• Current full-time enrollment in an accredited school in healthcare related baccalaureate (Nursing and Psychology preferred). Other majors will be considered
• Current full-time enrollment in a diploma, Associate, or Bachelor level nursing program.
• Must be available and agree to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. CCM training is required within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter.

• Act 33 Child Clearance with Renewal
• Act 34 Criminal Clearance with Renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Comprehensive Crisis Management

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran