Milieu Counselor

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To provide guidance and supervision of children/adolescents in a residential setting. To assist each resident to make decisions about daily life, conduct and discipline within the boundaries of Agency policy and the requirements of the contractual agreement with the Department of Children, Youth and Family. To provide an environment that promotes the physical and mental well being of each child. Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) in the milieu setting.

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide a pattern of conduct so as to be a positive model of adult behavior with residents.
• Interact with residents to encourage their involvement in all phases of the residential treatment program.
• Adhere to TST model of treatment which includes moment by moment assessment, emotional regulation skills building and TST phase-based treatment throughout the milieu.
• Evaluate and assess client dysregulation in coordination with Residential Manager, Clinical Coordinator and client treatment team and implement phase-based interventions and supports.
• Enforce rules and policies in an explicit and consistent way.
• Complete TST training and participate in consultation calls.
• Maintains a positive environment for both residents and staff.
• Meet daily tasks of household management: menu planning and preparation, housekeeping (cleanliness and safety), grocery shopping, sleeping arrangements, etc.
• Service and monitor recreational/educational activities within the shelter or out in the community.
• Oversee and monitor the residents completion of daily chores and use of telephone in accordance with residential rules.
• Maintain appropriate program records, reports, logs and/or data as required.
• Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship with other social service providers, community trades people, neighbors and volunteers who affect the daily operation of the shelter and adolescents placed there.
• Transport residents to appointments as required and to obtain appropriate documentation/information as necessary.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training/workshops, or any special meeting required.
• Provide emergency or crisis intervention techniques, such as passive physical restraint, when necessary.
• Adhere to all requirements as mandated by contractual agreements and as set forth in state regulatory manuals.
• Provide coverage/emergency support to other residential programs as required.
• Drive company vehicle to transport clients to and from events. Company vehicles may include 15 passenger vans.
• Responsible for distribution of any necessary medications in accordance with FSRI medication management policies and procedures.
• Act as an advocate for the children/adolescents.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• FSRI is looking for people who are empathetic, good listeners, enjoy working with youth, and see hope for the future for everyone no matter what barriers or struggles a person has faced.
• We work 24/7 and need applicants who are willing and capable to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as scheduled.
• Candidates can have a variety of educational, work, and personal experience which may make them good candidates. Some backgrounds include previous residential work experience, obtaining Bachelors or similar in psychology, social work, or related fields. We also have staff who do not have Bachelors degrees but who have experience as Community Health Workers, childcare workers, or personal experience. We want to learn about you and what drives you and see if this role is a good fit.
• Staff must have knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial and socioeconomic issues.
• The position requires reliable transportation, valid drivers 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 drivers seat.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires community visits, employees in this position must have the ability to:

• Travel to and from community locations and residential site locations, 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 communicate effectively.
• Ability to be trained in and implement de-escalation techniques utilizing Handle with Care when necessary.