PRN Milieu Counselor, Detox

Jefferson Center for Mental Health; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson Center for Mental Health is seeking a Residential Counselor (Milieu Counselor) for an on-call pool position in Colorado. The role provides milieu management, safety, and direction for clients who are intoxicated or withdrawing, with duties spanning assessment, documentation, group facilitation, and crisis response.

Responsibilities include monitoring safety, engaging clients, coordinating shifts, and transporting clients as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• CAS certification or ability to obtain CAS within 18 months of hire.
• QMAP certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• MVR required; must be 25+ with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assess and document intoxication levels, withdrawal symptoms, vital signs, and mental status.
• Monitor milieu to ensure safety and clean/organize shared spaces.
• Facilitate psychoeducation groups on unit with clients.
• Engage clients, identify goals, build rapport, and refer to supportive services.
• Act as Shift Coordinator when needed (pay differential).
• Comply with OSHA safety standards and biohazard waste disposal.
• Transport clients to hospitals/aftercare when approved and as directed.
• Engage in community outreach offsite as needed.
• Maintain outreach vans and report vehicle issues.
• Document accurately and timely; follow corporate compliance.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

CPR/First Aid

CAS certification (or pursuing)

QMAP certification (or pursuing)

MVR & background check

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Job description

At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

The Residential Counselor (Milieu Counselor) provides milieu management, guidance, safety, stability, and direction to a client population that is actively intoxicated and/or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This is a pool (on call) position with no set schedule.

Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

• Minimum of High school diploma or GED equivalent Required
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) or ability to obtain CAS within 18 months of hire.
• QMAP certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred
• Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage requires applicant must be 25 years or older. Must have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving record as determine by our insurance carrier. An MVR will be pulled along with a background check.

Essential Duties:

• Assessment and documentation of levels of intoxication, including breath alcohol levels, withdrawal symptoms, vital signs, physical condition, mental status and behavior.
• Identifies signs of an emergency and reacts appropriately. Ensures Adverse Incident Reporting (AIR) procedures are followed during shift.
• Monitor milieu to ensure safety and to make sure client needs are met. Including but not limited to cleaning/organization of shared spaces, restocking supplies, ensuring doors and windows remain closed/secure.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate psychoeducation groups on unit with clients.
• Effectively responds to client needs and problems. Engages clients in discussions to identify goals and build rapport; provide referrals to supportive services when needed.
• Serves as Acting Shift Coordinator when coverage is needed (pay differential is provided).
• Practices OSHA safety standards and disposes of biohazard waste according to OSHA standards.
• If given approval, must transport clients to and from hospitals, aftercare, or other approved services as directed by the Shift Coordinator. Individuals may be exposed to adverse weather conditions during loading and unloading of passengers. Must adhere to transportation safety guidelines.
• Community outreach and engagement offsite, as needed.
• Assisting in maintaining outreach vans and reporting any vehicle accidents, damage or needed maintenance.
• Adhere to all Withdrawal Management and Jefferson Center Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda. Report high risk/problem cases, utilize a problem-solving approach, and work to integrate feedback.
• Perform accurate and timely documentation at all times.
• Adhere with Corporate Compliance requirements in accordance with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
• Exhibit enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, upper management, visitors, and the general public. Use language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate cultural competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, and exhibit knowledge and skills to develop therapeutic alliance with patients.
• Participate in staff development activities to enhance professional growth.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and effectively manage time independently.
• Address the whole health needs of the client by ensuring that appropriate releases are in place for other providers, and by making appropriate referrals as needed.
• Understand how trauma impacts the lives of the people being served, ensure that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.
• Ensure that delivery practices are guided by the principles of trauma informed care and the principles of addiction treatment.

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Salary: $26 - $36 per hour depending on education level and shift worked. This is a pool position, not benefits eligible.

This position will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Review of applications will begin immediately.