Milieu Therapist

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apalachee Center