Direct Care Staff - Full-Time, Residential
About The Position
Milieu Counselors provide direct care, guidance, support, and supervision to adolescent female residents ages 13 to 20 who are involved with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. The role is based in a residential setting and supports FSRI’s strengths-based, trauma-informed interventions, helping adolescents build on their strengths, develop healthy relationships and coping skills, and move toward greater stability and independence. The programs include a short-term assessment and stabilization center and semi-independent living programs that help youth prepare for adulthood and community living. Milieu Counselors work with clinical and residential teams to implement treatment plans, manage daily routines, and support residents’ individual goals. They help maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed environment that promotes emotional, behavioral, social, and independent living skill development. The role is responsible for implementing and maintaining Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) in the milieu.
Requirements
- High school education level is listed for the position.
- Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as scheduled.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic issues.
- Ability to implement appropriate child-management techniques, which may include passive physical restraint.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation with at least three passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and proof of required automobile documentation.
- Ability to travel to community and residential locations, including using walkways, stairs, and/or elevators.
- Ability to use a computer and electronic medical record to complete documentation.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, push or pull 10 pounds or more, and pick up 10 pounds or more.
- Ability to perform physical intervention if clients present a threat to themselves or others.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a field related to Human Services, or significant residential or childcare experience; FSRI will consider candidates with some combination of education and experience.
- Bilingual or ASL skills; compensated at an additional 6% above base pay.
- Multilingual skills; compensated at an additional 8% above base pay.
Responsibilities
- Provide culturally responsive and inclusive services that respect individuals’ and families’ cultural backgrounds, identities, values, languages, beliefs, abilities, and preferences.
- Provide direct, hands-on support and supervision for youth during daily routines, and build positive professional relationships through consistency, trust, and respect.
- Complete TST training and follow the model, including moment-by-moment assessment, emotional regulation skills building, and phase-based treatment in the milieu.
- Participate in ongoing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and other evidence-based practices.
- Maintain consistency and structure by following the program’s daily schedule and rules, and help maintain a positive environment for residents and staff.
- Facilitate daily groups on topics and activities including personal hygiene, physical activity, budgeting, meal preparation, and community and independent living skills.
- Complete household management tasks, including menu planning and preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and managing sleeping arrangements.
- Encourage residents to participate in recreational and educational activities in the program and community.
- Oversee residents’ completion of daily chores and monitor telephone use in accordance with residential rules.
- Complete professional and administrative documentation in Credible, including shift notes, incident reports, and logs, according to agency standards and timelines.
- Maintain positive professional relationships with families, social service providers, community tradespeople, neighbors, and volunteers involved with program operations and residents.
- Transport residents to appointments and obtain necessary documentation or information.
- Attend staff meetings, in-service training, workshops, and other required meetings.
- Provide emergency or crisis intervention, including passive physical restraint when necessary, using the Handle with Care Behavior Management Model.
- Model professional and ethical behavior and comply with contractual requirements and state regulatory manuals.
- Provide coverage or emergency support to other residential programs as required.
- Drive company vehicles to transport clients to and from events.
- Distribute necessary medications in accordance with FSRI medication management policies and procedures.
- Advocate for children and adolescents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
