Milieu Specialist; Glick Recovery Campus

Thecentersohio; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Thecentersohio is seeking a Milieu Specialist in Cleveland, OH, to provide direct patient care and foster a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals facing acute mental health challenges.

This position involves working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to implement crisis intervention strategies, support patients in daily activities, and ensure effective documentation. Applicants should have at least a high school diploma, relevant experience, and certifications in CPR and CPI.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health challenges.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training willingness.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients.
• Provide direct care and document patient behaviors and interactions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop care plans.

Skills

Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses

Excellent communication skills

Cultural competency

Empathy and patience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR) systems

Job description

Cleveland, OH, USA

Job Description

The Milieu Specialist is a critical frontline position responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing acute mental health and behavioral health crises. You will provide direct patient care, implement evidence-based crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers to deliver comprehensive, person-centered care.

You will be a valued presence in our patients' most critical moments — facilitating therapeutic activities, documenting progress, conducting safety checks, and serving as a key contributor to our treatment planning process.

Shifts

• 7:00am-3:30pm
• 3:00pm-11:30pm
• 11:00pm-7:30am
• 7:00am-7:30pm
• 7:00pm-7:30pm

All shifts include working every other weekend.

What You Bring

Education

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field (preferred)

Licenses & Certifications

• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar de-escalation training (or willingness to complete upon hire)
• Valid Ohio driver's license with clean driving record
• Must pass criminal background check

Preferred Certifications

• Mental Health First Aid certification
• Certification as a Mental Health Technician or similar credential

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health or behavioral health challenges — including crisis intervention, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment, or related settings (required)
• Experience in crisis stabilization or emergency psychiatric settings (preferred)
• Knowledge of substance use and co-occurring disorders (preferred)

What You'll Do

Create and Sustain a Therapeutic Milieu

Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and healing environment for patients in acute mental health crisis.

Continuously monitor patient behavior and environmental safety, intervening appropriately to prevent harm.

Facilitate therapeutic activities and groups that promote recovery, coping skills, and emotional regulation.

Model appropriate behavior and professional communication while maintaining clear boundaries.

Deliver Compassionate Patient Care

Provide direct care and support to individuals with mental health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.

Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence and self-efficacy.

De-escalate crisis situations using verbal intervention and trauma-informed care approaches.

Document patient behaviors, interactions, and progress accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic health record (EHR).

Collaborate as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team

Partner closely with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers to coordinate individualized care plans.

Participate in treatment planning meetings and contribute observations about patient progress.

Communicate effectively during shift transitions to ensure continuity of care.

Connect patients and families with community resources to support transitions and long-term recovery.

Ensure Safety and Crisis Intervention

Implement crisis intervention protocols to manage aggressive or self-harmful behavior.

Conduct safety checks and environmental rounds to maintain a secure treatment setting.

Apply de-escalation strategies consistent with trauma-informed care and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) principles.

Follow all safety protocols, including authorized restraint procedures when clinically indicated.

Skills That Set You Apart

Clinical & Interpersonal

Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses, behavioral health challenges, and trauma-informed care principles.

Excellent communication skills when interacting with individuals in crisis.

Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations.

Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach to every patient interaction.

Professional

Sound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building therapeutic relationships.

Strong observational and documentation skills.

Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment.

Technical

Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.

Bonus Points

Bilingual abilities — Spanish, Arabic, or other languages commonly spoken in the Cleveland area are a strong plus.

Working Conditions

This is an on-site, active role in a fast-paced crisis environment with high patient acuity. You should be prepared for:

• Exposure to individuals experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms and behavioral dysregulation.
• Potential for verbal and physical aggression, requiring implementation of safety protocols.
• Extended periods of standing and walking throughout your shift.
• The need for physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Mental stamina to manage high-stress situations and emotionally demanding work.
• Rotating shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

This role involves walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and driving as needed. Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during their shift and may need to physically intervene in crisis situations to ensure patient and staff safety.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.