Student Behavioral Associate - UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC in Pittsburgh is recruiting a Student Behavioral Associate to support the care of psychiatric patients under RN supervision. This role offers hands-on clinical experience aligned with your healthcare studies.

Shifts are weekends with day, evening, and night rotations; requires current enrollment in a health-related program and willingness to work overtime. Training will be provided in the first 4–6 weeks.

Qualifications

• Current full-time enrollment 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 willing to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist with physical care, clinical interventions and daily activities.
• Document in medical records.
• Communicate with treatment team regarding patient observations and care.
• Maintain a safe environment and crisis management.

Skills

Documentation

Crisis management

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Enrolled in healthcare-related bachelor’s program

Nursing program or related diploma/associate/bachelor

Tools

CPR certification

CCM training

Job description

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 and apply for our Student Behavioral Associate (SBA) opportunity today!

As an SBA, 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, PA15213
• 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 $19.00 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

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.
• 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