Mental Health Counselor - Day shift, Full Time

Full Time
Per Diem
New Haven, CT, US
Salary Range: $22.00 To $25.00 Hourly
We are seeking Full-Time and Per Diem Milieu Counselors to join the team at the new Recovery & Wellness Center (RWC), a 31,000-square-foot state-of-the-art addiction treatment campus. This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and able to work effectively in a structured, fast-paced therapeutic environment supporting individuals in recovery, including coverage for nights and weekends. The Milieu Counselor provides day-to-day support within a residential treatment setting, working as part of an interdisciplinary team to maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment in both the women’s recovery house and men’s therapeutic shelter. Responsibilities include supervising residents’ daily activities, supporting individualized care plans, and assisting with client interventions as needed.
This role also includes facilitating and participating in therapeutic milieu activities and groups such as social, recreational, 12-step, and other recovery-focused programming. The Milieu Counselor collaborates closely with Program Managers, Case Managers, Clinicians, and Recovery Coaches to support resident progress, monitor engagement, and identify barriers to treatment. Additional responsibilities include serving as a positive role model, documenting and reporting resident progress, and helping maintain a safe environment through basic de-escalation and crisis management techniques. The ideal candidate is able to work effectively with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and housing instability while consistently upholding resident safety, dignity, and rights.
Key Responsibilities
Supervision and Support:
Provides 24/7 supervision and support to residents, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Assists residents with daily activities, including meals, personal hygiene, and housekeeping tasks.
Monitors resident behavior during day, evening, and night shift and enforce program rules and policies fairly and consistently.
Observes and documents clients who may self-administer medication
Seeks and follows supervision and direction from clinical team appropriately
Program Facilitation:
Facilitate and participates in psycho-educational groups, self-help meetings, and recreational activities.
Supports residents in attending treatment and appointments.
Encourages and supports residents' participation in spiritual/religious activities.
Performs urine tests and breathalyzer screenings in accordance with site specific policies, randomly or as warranted.
Provides comprehensive overdose prevention and education which includes risk reduction strategies as well as providing client access to Narcan
Develop recovery plans addressing assessed needs in areas such as employment, education, self-management skills, relapse prevention, housing, and social skills training.
Crisis Intervention:
Respond to emergencies and provide crisis intervention as needed using de-escalation techniques.
Administer first aid, including the use of Narcan for overdose situations, and coordinate with medical professionals in case of health emergencies.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of resident activities, incidents, and progress.
Report any concerns or incidents to the Program Manager promptly.
Keeps accurate client logs, shift change reports, incident reports and other information pertinent to program operation.
Maintain a written daily schedule of services and activities, including on-site and off-site recreational activities that promote and support recovery.
Provide case management services, including assessment, planning, and linking individuals to mental health, financial, housing, and other needed community supports.
Make follow-up calls to all discharged individuals within fourteen (14) days of discharge.
Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with the Program Manager, Case Manager, and Recovery Specialist/Recovery Coach to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
Involve family members, significant others, and authorized advocates in the development of the recovery plan and the delivery of services, as desired by the individual.
Provide education, support, and consultation to family members of enrolled individuals.
Shift Coverage:
~ Must remain on shift until adequate staffing arrives if a colleague calls out, ensuring continuous coverage and resident safety (holdover).

Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required
Previous experience in a residential or recovery setting is highly desirable.
Peer Recovery Specialist certification/Recovery Coach or Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) or Counselor In Training (CIT) certification preferred.
Training in trauma-informed care is highly desirable.
Proven ability to identify client crisis (addiction and mental health) and seek emergency assistance as needed
CPR and First Aid certification required
Why Join Us
Cornell Scott–Hill Health Center offers a competitive and mission‑driven environment with outstanding benefits, including:

• Above‑market, competitive salaries
• Sign-on bonus available for eligible positions and qualified candidates.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short/Long‑Term Disability
• License reimbursement
• Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment Program may be available for qualified candidates.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility is available through qualifying employment.
• Generous paid time off
• 401(k) with up to 5% match