Milieu Therapist - Human Services Coordinator I

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic Milieu Therapist to play an essential role in meeting therapeutic goals and objectives for patients on a medical unit that specializes in working with people with substance use disorder.

The Milieu Therapist (MT) will create activities and milieu structure by running groups, modeling interpersonal behaviors with patients and peers and will participate in the implementation and communication of individual treatment/behavioral plans for patients admitted for medical care on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) unit. The MT will take an active role in milieu management by being visible on the unit, working one-on-one and in various groups of staff and patients. Additionally, the MT will perform other work-related duties as assigned by supervisor.


Please note: This is a full-time 37.5-hour position, working 10am-6pm with Tuesday and Wednesday as the days off.


Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Under direction and supervision, the MT may interview patients and others to obtain information

for determining patients' needs for services.

• The MT will assess, recommend and provide various psychosocial/behavioral modalities which

may include the following components: SUD, emotional, social, environmental, vocational,

developmental and legal issues.

• The MT will develop and compose individual plans with some or all components outlined.

• The MT monitors the implementation of individual treatment/behavioral plans.

• Prepare and maintain treatment records, narratives, statistics, team reports and other required

documents assigned by direct supervisor.

• Remain accessible to patients to assist in keeping them engaged in activities.

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and acts as a role model for patients and staff.

• Actively promotes a safe, non-judgmental milieu for patients and staff.

• Facilitates and leads groups with patients.

• Document all group activities.

• Plans and coordinates self-help meetings and monitors patient attendance.

• Assists with patient visits, fresh air walks, ATM use and other related activities as needed and

directed by the supervisor in managing patient visits.

• Supports patients in the development of discharge plans related to SUD treatment.

• Provides recreational activities with or independently of the recreation department.

• Provides orientation to new milieu therapists.

• Uses the least restrictive measures to de-escalate patients and, in emergencies, provides

appropriate crisis intervention techniques.

• Communicates clinically appropriate information to the SUD Unit Team and others as directed.

• Actively participates in treatment planning and team meetings.

• Provides input for policies and procedures when appropriate.

• Actively participates in supervision with peers and/or direct supervisor.

• Assists/leads community meeting and helps patients communicate daily issues and participates in the processing of the community meeting with other staff.

• Demonstrates competence appropriate to the patients served.

• Demonstrates competence in assessing and providing care that is cognizant of, and sensitive to patients' cultural and spiritual needs.

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with treatment plans.

• Experience in group dynamics as related to group work.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of counseling.

• Has the ability to design and document treatment/behavioral plans.

• Has the knowledge and skill to identify behavioral/psychiatric problems.

• Knowledge of psychiatric and cognitive disorders.

• Knowledge of psychosocial problems associated with homelessness.

• Knowledge of motivation and reinforcement techniques.

• Ability to make case assessments through direct patient interviews, case record reviews and case

discussion with Unit Team members.

• Ability to respond appropriately to difficult behavior and de-escalate situations in a safe and effective manner.

• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.

• Ability to model interpersonal communications for patients and peers.

• Experience with active participation in team meetings.

• Ability to document in a medical record.

• Knowledge of general report writing.

• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and adherence to HIPAA regulations.

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Experience with the use of computers, computer programs and online resources

DPH Mission Statement:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

More information can be found at:

About Tewksbury Hospital:

Tewksbury Hospital under the Department of Public Health (DPH), is a 370 bed Joint Commission accredited hospital. The hospital provides broad treatment of care and comfort to adults with medical and/or mental illnesses. Tewksbury Hospital offers a broad range of services including a physician on site at all times, around-the-clock nursing care, rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, psychology services, social services, nutritional services, and an on-site dialysis clinic.

Learn more about our important work:


Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit


Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests .

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io Ext. # 4.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.


Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.


Substitutions:


I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.


Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.


Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.


Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!


Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.