Behavioral Health Psychiatric Technician

Careerwebsite; Jamestown (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401k

Job summary

UPMC is seeking a Mental Health Safety Specialist to ensure a safe environment for behavioral health patients. The role involves monitoring patient safety, assisting with crisis de-escalation, and collaborating with clinical teams on treatment plans.

Candidates should have a strong background in crisis intervention and patient care. UPMC offers training and a diverse, supportive team environment focused on patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required or to be obtained soon.
• Prior behavioral health or patient care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor behavioral health patients for safety.
• Identify and report safety risks.
• Support crisis prevention using approved techniques.
• Assist staff during behavioral emergencies.
• Document observations and safety checks.
• Collaborate with clinical staff on safety plans.
• Participate in safety rounds.
• Follow all safety, privacy, and infection control policies.

Skills

Behavioral health observation

Crisis de-escalation techniques

Risk assessment for self-harm and Agg.

Incident documentation

Patient safety protocols

Team communication

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)

Knowledge of HIPAA

Infection control checks

Education

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Job description

UPMC – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center seeks a Mental Health Safety Specialist to support a safe, therapeutic environment for behavioral health patients. Responsibilities include monitoring patient safety, assisting with crisis de-escalation, observing for risk behaviors, and following safety protocols. The role collaborates with nursing, physicians, and social work to support treatment plans, participate in safety rounds, and respond to behavioral emergencies. UPMC offers training, growth opportunities, and a diverse, team-oriented culture focused on patient-centered, innovative care for our communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor behavioral health patients to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment
• Identify and report safety risks, including self-harm or aggression
• Support crisis prevention and de-escalation using approved techniques
• Assist clinical staff during behavioral emergencies and codes
• Document observations, safety checks, and incidents accurately
• Collaborate with nursing, physicians, and social workers on safety plans
• Participate in safety rounds and environmental risk assessments
• Follow all UPMC and regulatory safety, privacy, and infection control policies

Key Skills

• Behavioral health observation
• Crisis de-escalation techniques
• Risk assessment for self-harm and aggression
• Incident documentation and reporting
• Patient and staff safety protocols
• Team communication in clinical settings
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) methods
• Knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality
• Infection control and environmental safety checks

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k

Qualifications

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or equivalent de-escalation certification preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required or obtained within specified timeframe
• Prior behavioral health or patient care experience strongly preferred