Milieu Specialist - ITR Program

Walker; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker is seeking a Milieu Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team in an Intensive Treatment Residence for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. The role leads daily operations of a residence for up to 12 children, delivering child-centered, family-focused care and effective team communication.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating programming, facilitating social activities, and implementing treatment plans with fidelity to Walker’s model of care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least two years of experience working with children who have emotional and behavioral problems.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license; must be able to drive Walker vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the multidisciplinary team to promote emotional, behavioral, and educational development of children.
• Lead day-to-day operations of a residential unit housing up to 12 children and provide a therapeutic milieu.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to other team members during shifts.
• Plan and implement social and recreational activities.
• Attend treatment meetings and complete oral and written reports; participate in supervision and professional development.
• Apply and teach Walker’s model of child care, including crisis intervention methods and physical restraint.

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Therapeutic crisis intervention

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Summary of Position

The Milieu Specialist is a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team in the Intensive Treatment Residence (ITR) program for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. The role focuses on the social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met daily. The specialist will lead day‑to‑day operations of a residential unit housing up to 12 children, provide child‑centered, family‑focused, culturally competent care, and serve as a team leader communicating effectively with staff.

Education and Licensure

• Required: High School Diploma or GED with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license; must be able to drive Walker vehicles.

Experience

• Required: At least two years of experience working with children who have emotional and behavioral problems.

Abilities & Requirements

• Receptive and responsive to supervision and professional development.
• Apply, model, and teach principles from trainings and seminars, including therapeutic crisis intervention skills.
• Flexible, collaborative, and able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understand confidentiality issues.
• Participate in physical activities with children, stand and work for extended periods, bend, stoop, stretch, lift.
• Performance of therapeutic physical intervention as needed.

Essential Functions

1. Serve as a key member of the multidisciplinary team to promote emotional, behavioral, and educational development of children.
2. Act as the point person for the residence when the supervisor is absent, providing a therapeutic milieu and ensuring completion of all responsibilities (medication administration, reporting, programming, safety).
3. Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to other team members during shifts.
4. Oversee the use and functioning of the residence’s Walkie.
5. Ensure children access the community when appropriate.
6. Track and debrief restraints in conjunction with the supervisor.
7. Assist in completing the On The Job Checklist with incoming staff.
8. Attend treatment meetings for children as needed.
9. Plan and implement social and recreational activities.
10. Facilitate child‑centered and team check‑in meetings.
11. Implement treatment protocols established in children’s treatment plans, IEPs, and ISPs.
12. Oversee an after‑school club during sessions, when appropriate.
13. Receive training and assist with floating campus duties, responding to houses in crisis and checking restraints when notified.
14. Run unit meetings when the supervisor is not present.
15. Supervise an intern or volunteer on the residence.
16. Attend required meetings, complete oral and written reports, and actively participate in supervision and professional development opportunities.
17. Apply and teach Walker’s model of child care, including therapeutic crisis intervention methods and physical restraint.
18. Follow and implement all Walker policies and procedures.
19. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Weekly supervision by a Direct Care Supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.