Mental Health Safety Specialist I - Child & Adolescent

The Child & Adolescent Unit is a general behavioral health unit that serves school-enrolled patients ages 4 to 18. Our team supports individuals following suicide attempts and provides care for a wide range of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and various psychotic disorders. The Mental Health Safety Specialist I is responsible for assisting in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment for patients experiencing emotional disturbance. Also assists with the specialized patient care needs of each individual patient using principles of adult development and knowledge of psychopathology. Responsibilities: Clinical Care & Treatment Support + Follow Behavioral Health Center philosophy, policies, and standards of care. + Support individualized, family-centered treatment as an active Treatment Team member. + Assist with assessment, care planning, and implementation of treatment goals. Patient Engagement & Daily Support + Build therapeutic relationships that support emotional growth and independence. + Facilitate educational, social, and recreational group activities. + Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, meals, and personal organization. Safety, Crisis Response & Milieu Management + Maintain unit safety through regular environmental and milieu monitoring. + Respond to crises using least-restrictive, age-appropriate interventions. + Participate in restraints when necessary, and monitor for early intervention needs. + Conduct and support safety drills, training, and incident reviews. Documentation & Unit Operations + Document patient interactions, safety concerns, and interventions accurately. + Support admissions, hearings, visitation monitoring, and compliance with safety protocols. + Participate in crisis and restraint debriefings to reinforce learning and reduce risk. + Associate Degree with 2 years work experience within MH/MR service OR + Bachelors 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. + May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored. + No contact with medications is allowed. + Requirements to advance to Mental Health Safety Specialist II: Actively participates in 1 hospital-based safety related committee/council and shares updates in department meetings. + Participates as a trainer and/or actor in CCM, ACT, or other crisis related training(s) and provides (min. 1) unit-based crisis related in-services. + Leadership letter of recommendation. ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL BACHELOR'S DEGREE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire + Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) + Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) + Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) + Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal + Act 33 with renewal + Act 34 with renewal + Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal _UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran_

Created: 2026-04-13