Milieu Specialist - ITR Program

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A therapeutic organization in Needham is seeking a Milieu Specialist to join their multidisciplinary team focused on children with severe emotional needs. This role involves ensuring children's daily physical and emotional requirements are met while providing leadership to a team. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and at least two years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, facilitating team meetings, and maintaining safety protocols. A valid driver’s license is required for transportation of children.

Qualifications

• Two years experience working with children who have emotional and behavior problems.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Must be able to understand and apply principles taught in trainings.

Responsibilities

• Work as a key member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Act as the point person when the supervisor is not present.
• Provide leadership and training to other team members.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention skills

Flexibility

Energy and stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates or Undergraduate degree in related field

Job description

Summary of Position

The Milieu Specialist as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team in the Intensive Treatment Residence (ITR) program for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. Focus on social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children. Ensure that the physical and emotional needs of children are being met on a daily basis. Focus on social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children. Responsible for day-to-day operations of a residential unit of up to 12 children. Committed to child centered, family focused culturally competent care and strength-based treatment. Able to be a team leader and communicate effectively with teammates. Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to transport children into the community.

Education and Licensure

• Required: High School Diploma or GED; excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Preferred: Associates or Undergraduate degree in related field.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Must be able to drive Walker vehicles

Experience

• Required: Two years experience working with children who have emotional and behavior problems

Abilities

• Required: Must be receptive and responsive to supervision and professional development.
• Must be able to understand, apply, model, and teach principles taught in trainings and seminars to the milieu, including therapeutic crisis intervention skills.
• Must be able to be flexible and work collaboratively.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
• Must understand issues of confidentiality.
• Must be able to participate in physical activities with children.
• Must be able to work and stand for extended periods.
• Requires bending, stooping, stretching, and lifting.
• Requires energy and stamina.
• Requires the ability to perform therapeutic physical intervention.

Essential Functions

• Work as a key member of a multidisciplinary team to further the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of children at Walker.
• Act as the point person for the residence when the supervisor is not present and provide a therapeutic milieu in a residential unit throughout a shift, including ensuring that all responsibilities are complete (e.g., children’s basic needs are med, medications are administered properly, written reports are complete, children’s programming is followed, physical space in the residence is safe).
• Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to other team members on the shift.
• Oversee the use and functioning of the residence’s Walkie.
• Ensure all children are accessing the community, when appropriate.
• Responsible for tracking and debriefing restraints in conjunction with your supervisor
• Assist in completing the On The Job Checklist with incoming staff
• Attend treatment meetings for children when needed
• Oversee the planning and implementation of social and recreational activities for children.
• Facilitate child centered and team check-in meetings.
• Implement treatment protocol established in children’s treatment plans, IEPs, and ISPs
• Oversee an afterschool club every session, when appropriate
• Become trained and assist in floating campus to respond and assist on houses in crisis, including checking restraints once the supervisor is notified
• Run unit meetings when the supervisor is not present
• Supervise an intern or volunteer on the residence
• Properly attend to administrative functions of child care, including attending and participating in required meetings; completing assigned oral and written report writing tasks; and actively participating in supervision and professional development opportunities offered at Walker.
• Apply and teach Walker’s model of child care, including therapeutic crisis intervention methods, and physical restraint.
• Follow and implement all Walker policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision to be received

Weekly supervision by a Direct Care Supervisor

Supervision to be exercised

N/A

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.