Milieu Therapist

Family Service Of Rhode Island; Exeter (RI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Work life benefits

Job summary

Family Service of Rhode Island in Exeter, RI is seeking a full-time youth services professional to guide adolescents 13-18 in school and residential settings, employing trauma‑informed approaches and the Trauma Systems Therapy model.

You will collaborate with teachers and clinicians, support daily routines, promote safety and positive decision making, and participate in ongoing training. Travel up to 25% of the time and responsive to program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or significant therapeutic recreation experience in a residential setting.
• Williness and capability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial and socioeconomic issues.
• Excellent communication skills and team‑oriented mindset.
• Capabilities to implement appropriate child management techniques, which may include use of passive physical restraint.
• The position requires reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, registration, inspection and driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands‑on support to youth throughout their daily routines in both the school and residential settings.
• Exhibit a pattern of conduct so as to be a positive role model to students.
• Interact with students to encourage their involvement in all aspects of the school and residential setting.
• Complete TST training and adhere to TST model of treatment including moment by moment assessment and emotional regulation skill building.
• Participate in ongoing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and other evidence‑based practices.
• Model and coach positive social skills, problem‑solving, and emotional regulation strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and other staff to ensure a consistent, trauma‑informed approach.
• Enforce rules and policies in an explicit and consistent way.
• Maintains a positive environment for both students and staff.
• Transport students to appointments and obtain necessary documentation.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Provide emergency or crisis intervention techniques when necessary using Handle with Care model.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team‑oriented mindset

Flexible hours capability

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or significant therapeutic recreation experience in a residential setting

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: South County Academy - Exeter, RI 02822

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $26.78 - $33.30 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

Essential Functions

To provide guidance, support, and supervision to adolescents ages 13-18 in a school and residential setting. Provide a trauma informed approach implementing and maintaining Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) and other evidence-based models of treatment. To assist each student to make decisions about daily life, conduct and discipline within the boundaries of the agency, programs policies, and the requirements of the contractual agreement with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. You will facilitate and engage youth in programming including arts & crafts, sporting activities, horticultural groups, life skills groups, etc. Whether in the classroom, the residential dorm, or during recreational activities, you will promote safety, well-being, self-expression, learning, and positive decision making.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands‑on support to youth throughout their daily routines in both the school and residential settings.


• Exhibit a pattern of conduct so as to be a positive role model to students.


• Interact with students to encourage their involvement in all aspects of the school and residential setting.


• Complete TST training and adhere to TST model of treatment which includes moment by moment assessment, emotional regulation skill building and TST phase-based treatment throughout the school and residential setting.


• Participate in ongoing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and other evidence-based practices.


• Model and coach positive social skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation strategies.


• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and other staff to ensure a consistent, trauma‑informed approach.


• Enforce rules and policies in an explicit and consistent way.


• Maintains a positive environment for both students and staff.


• Facilitate and/or monitor recreational/educational activities within the program or out in the community.


• Oversee, monitor, and assist the students’ in the learning and completion of daily tasks and use of the telephone in accordance with school and residential rules.


• Maintain appropriate program documentation, records, reports, logs and/or data as required. Utilize the Credible EMR as required


• Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship with families, social service providers, community trades people, community members, and volunteers who affect the daily operation of the programs and students residing there.


• Transport students to appointments as required and to obtain appropriate documentation/information as necessary.


• Attend staff meetings, in‑service training/workshops, or any special meetings as required.


• Provide emergency or crisis intervention techniques, such as passive physical restraint, when necessary, utilizing the Handle with Care (HWC) Behavior Management Model.


• Use Handle with Care techniques to safely and respectfully manage challenging behaviors while preserving dignity and relationships.


• Adhere to all requirements as mandated by contractual agreements and as set forth in state regulatory manuals.


• Drive company vehicle(s) to transport students to and from appointments, visits, passes, events, etc. South County Academy vehicles may include vans and a mini‑bus.


• Responsible for distribution of any necessary medications in accordance with FSRI medication management policies and procedures.


• Act as an advocate for the students and their families.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or significant therapeutic recreation experience in a residential setting required.


• Willingness and capability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.


• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial and socioeconomic issues.


• Excellent communication skills and team‑oriented mindset.


• Capabilities to implement appropriate child management techniques, which may include use of passive physical restraint.


• The position requires reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, registration, inspection and driving record. In addition, the reliable transportation must have a minimum of three seats in addition to the driver’s seat.


• Employees may be scheduled to work shifts less than three hours in any workday, to attend required staff meetings, which are agreed to in advance by the parties.

Physical Requirements

• Travel to and from community locations, FSRI main sites, and the school/residential location which could include using walkways, stairs and/or elevators.


• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.


• Ability to push or pull 10 lbs. or more.


• Ability to perform restraint techniques if needed and work with physically aggressive students.

Benefits

• Health benefits


• Dental benefits


• Work life benefits

Company Culture & Values

Only together can we continue to grow and make a difference in our communities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Family Service of Rhode Island provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Compensation Philosophy

FSRI determines pay based on a candidate's relevant and transferable experience, certifications, licenses, degree and language ability.