Milieu Therapist

Apalachee Center; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Apalachee Center in Tallahassee is seeking a Milieu Therapist responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for children in a behavioral health setting. The role emphasizes fostering emotional growth and promoting positive behaviors.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work and experience working with children in similar settings. The position offers rotating 12-hour shifts with required certifications including CPR and First Aid.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in behavioral health, education, or therapeutic settings.
• Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.
• Must possess current, valid driver’s license and maintain Apalachee Designated Auto Driver status.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a structured, nurturing, and supportive therapeutic milieu.
• Build rapport with children; facilitate group and individual therapeutic activities.
• Communicate effectively with families, guardians, and support systems.
• Respond to crises with professionalism using de-escalation and therapeutic intervention techniques.

Skills

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Therapeutic Expertise

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Organizational and Professional Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Position Details

Job Location: Tallahassee, FL 32308
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Job Summary

The Milieu Therapist is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children in a behavioral health setting. The role focuses on fostering emotional growth, enhancing social skills, and promoting positive behaviors in alignment with individualized treatment plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Therapeutic Environment Management: Maintain a structured, nurturing, and supportive therapeutic milieu; model appropriate professional behavior and communication; implement strategies to support emotional regulation, stress management, and conflict resolution.
• Direct Client Interaction: Build rapport with children; facilitate group and individual therapeutic activities aligned with treatment goals; monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and interactions.
• Collaboration: Communicate effectively with families, guardians, and support systems; attend and contribute to shift reports.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to crises with professionalism using de‑escalation and therapeutic intervention techniques; uphold safety protocols and maintain composure under high‑pressure situations.
• Communicate immediately to nursing staff important information regarding client concerns, physical/emotional needs, changes in status, possible medical or psychiatric emergencies, or missing persons/elopements.
• Participate and complete all levels of Crisis Intervention Institute (CPI) training: verbal intervention (VI), nonviolent crisis intervention (NCI), and advanced physical skills (APS).
• Assist in the placement of patients into seclusion/restraint as directed, observe and document monitoring; initiate or respond to "code green" as needed.
• At shift conclusion, clear departure with unit supervisor to ensure shift coverage; may remain on duty if staffing levels require.

Shift Information

Rotating 12‑hour day shifts available (7:30am–8:00pm) with alternating weekend off. Shift differential offered during hours 4:00pm–8:00am.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience working with children in behavioral health, education, or therapeutic settings.
• Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.
• Must possess current, valid driver’s license and maintain Apalachee Designated Auto Driver status.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Engage compassionately with children, families, and colleagues; strong verbal and written communication for documentation and collaboration.
• Therapeutic Expertise: Knowledge of child development, trauma‑informed care, and therapeutic interventions; experience with behavior management and positive reinforcement.
• Problem‑Solving and Decision‑Making: Assess situations quickly and implement interventions; remain calm and solution‑focused during crises.
• Organizational and Professional Skills: Strong time‑management and multitasking abilities; consistent adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.