Student Behavioral Intern (Western Psychiatric Hospital)

Does the idea of being part of a National Leader in the Psychiatric treatment of Mental Health inspire you? Would you love the opportunity to learn directly from a trained preceptor? If so, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s Student Behavioral Intern (SBI) program might be the perfect way to spend your summer!

As an SBI, under Clinical Supervision, you will be provided with training and development opportunities that will allow you to build a strong foundation as a future mental health professional at a nationally recognized organization in Mental Health Clinical Care, Research, and Education! Just a few opportunities within this program include:

• Provide direct patient care, receive one-on-one guidance from a trained preceptor, and build your confidence as a future mental health professional.
• Develop essential skills with a focus on leadership, patient safety, and professional development through hands-on training and supplemental education sessions.
• Take advantage of various shadowing and immersion experiences to find what you enjoy most.
• Establish relationships with behavioral health leaders and UPMC recruiters.

The SBI Program is a paid 12-week internship for students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s level program and have completed their sophomore year of an undergraduate degree with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher. You’ll work in one of a variety of clinical settings! Becoming a SBI could be your first step in the beginning of a rewarding career at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital!

This position has a set rate of $17.83. College credits are not offered for this position.

Responsibilities:

• The SBI is hired into a temporary position for one semester and is required to complete all competencies upon hire prior to any interactions with patients. They each will be assigned a preceptor who is in a bachelor’s level position which is a position that the intern can aspire to upon graduation. Although they are precepted by a bachelor’s level staff, they are not able to perform at the same level nor can they perform all of the position responsibilities of that position. They instead can perform some position responsibilities on their own and some alongside their preceptor. Each program that hires an SBI will complete a skills checklist to indicate which position responsibility their SBI can perform alone versus with their preceptor.
• Perform patient care skills working with preceptor in a safe manner according to policy and procedure and as delineated in the established scope of the position. Constructively receives feedback and direction. Demonstrate awareness of the impact of his/her behavior on the efficient functioning of the department/organization. Identifies and communicates learning needs to their preceptor. Communicate patient’s condition to physician and/or other key members of the health care team. Respond directly to patient requests and appropriately communicates patient needs or changes in condition to preceptor. Under the direction of the Preceptor, completes daily tasks that the preceptor normally performs in their position description. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback or on self-identified developmental needs.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the treatment team. Draw from previous learning and focus on accomplishment of tasks required for the provision of patient care. May attend health team conferences. Maintain an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including but not limited to: completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment. Coordinate interdepartmental activities to expedite care. Acquire and distribute supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Contribute to the universal unit activities, including but not limited to responding to /door answer telephone, assisting with meal trays and patient transports. Document in the medical record according to established procedures.
• May assist with applying, monitor and remove patient restraints or sit in the seclusion room monitoring patients. Transport, transfer, and position patients safely as appropriate to the setting Perform assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Strictly adhere to all policies and practices relative to patient care and program related information. Comply with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions. Ensure equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Respond within the scope of assisting their preceptor in their role managing emergent situations. Suggest and supports changes within the department/organization. Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.