Overnight Milieu Specialist (Wed-Sat)

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs is seeking an Overnight Milieu Specialist to join the multidisciplinary overnight team at the Needham Campus. You will focus on the social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties, ensuring their daily physical and emotional needs are met while promoting family-centered, trauma-informed care.

The role requires strong communication, leadership within a shift, and the ability to implement treatment

Qualifications

• Requires a High School Diploma or GED; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred: Associates or Undergraduate degree in related field.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and ability to drive Walker vehicles.
• Two years' experience with children who have emotional and behavior problems.
• Must be receptive to supervision and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Work as a key member of a multidisciplinary overnight team to support children's emotional, behavioral, and educational development.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to other team members on the shift.
• Assist with screening and supervising activities and ensure safety during overnight hours.
• Implement treatment protocols and crisis intervention strategies per individual plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Behavior management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates or Undergraduate degree (preferred)

Job description

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

Summary of position

As an Overnight Milieu Specialist, you will act as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team for the overnight shift for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties in congregate care programs on the Needham Campus. Focus on social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children. Ensure that the physical and emotional needs of children are met daily. Committed to child centered, family focused culturally competent care and strength-based treatment. Able to be a team leader and communicate effectively with teammates.

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

Mental 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.

Physical Abilities

Required: 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.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentoring to other team members on the shift.
• Assist Supervisors in floating the campus for the overnight shift to support both children and staff.
• Assist Supervisors in completing end of shift walk throughs to ensure completion of tasks, including but not limited to cleaning.
• Run campus for the overnight shift in the absence of a supervisor.
• Assist in completing the On-the-Job Checklist with incoming staff.
• Implement treatment protocol established in children’s treatment plans, IEPs, and ISPs.
• Assist with managing crises across campus as needed.
• Properly attend to administrative functions of childcare, 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.
• Follow and implement all Walker policies and procedures.
• Be an ambassador of Walker and consistently role model Walker’s professional culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision to be received

Weekly supervision by an Overnight Supervisor

Equal Opportunity 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.