Milieu Counselor, Youth Recovery

Jefferson Center for Mental Health • Lakewood, CO

2d • $24 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Jefferson Center is hiring Milieu Counselors for its Youth Residential Recovery program, which provides 30 days of structured, compassionate care for adolescents facing substance use challenges. This is an in-person, on-site position in Lakewood, Colorado, with several evening shifts and multiple schedule options available. The counselor provides milieu management, guidance, safety, and support to clients in early recovery through a trauma-informed approach, while assisting with treatment activities, medication administration, documentation, and discharge-related coordination.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and one year of behavioral health work experience. An associate or bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, as are experience in substance abuse treatment and work with youth, existing addiction certification, and English/Spanish bilingual skills. Employees hired without a substance use disorder certification must obtain CAT or CAS within 18 months of hire. QMAP and CPR/First Aid certifications are required or must be obtained within six months of hire.

The position is offered at Salary Grade 49 for High School/GED ($50,000 annually or $24.04 per hour) and Salary Grade 50 for a bachelor's degree ($55,000 annually or $26.45 per hour). The stated salary and bonus amounts are based on full-time work at 40 hours per week and are prorated for fewer hours. Bonus eligibility requires at least 20 hours per week. The bonus opportunity totals $5,000, paid at the one-month, six-month, and one-year anniversaries, subject to continuous employment through each bonus effective date. Current Jefferson Center employees are not eligible for the sign-on bonus.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of work experience in behavioral health.
• Applicants hired without SUD certification must obtain CAT or CAS within 18 months of hire.
• QMAP certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire; certification is provided internally.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Ability to work on site in Lakewood, Colorado.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in substance abuse treatment.
• Experience working with youth.
• Pre-existing addiction certification.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide milieu management, guidance, safety, stability, and direction to clients in early recovery using a trauma-informed approach.
• Maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality.
• Interact with clients, provide support and direction, and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation, including admissions, shift and per diem notes, discharges, inventories, belongings screenings, individual and group sessions, medication occurrences, and adverse incident reports.
• Monitor and document clients’ vital signs, physical condition, and behavior as needed; take blood pressure readings using a blood pressure cuff when a nurse is unavailable.
• Assist with planning, conducting, and supervising client activities, including community meetings, groups, on-site external meetings, family and friend visits, recreation, and life-skills activities.
• Monitor and document breath-alcohol tests as needed.
• Administer medications to clients according to QMAP standards.
• Assist with random urine drug testing.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducation groups.
• Help coordinate treatment referrals for clients seeking ongoing treatment after discharge.
• Assign and monitor residential-unit chores in common areas, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff regarding meals and snacks.
• Follow OSHA safety standards and dispose of biohazard waste according to OSHA standards.
• As directed, assist with transporting admitted clients to hospitals, aftercare, or other approved services; loading and unloading may involve exposure to adverse weather.
• Respond effectively and promptly to client needs and problems, phone calls, email, and other requests.
• Follow Jefferson Center policies and procedures, including adverse incident reporting procedures during the shift.
• Attend required in-services, staff meetings, clinical supervision, and online training.
• Participate in supervision, arrive prepared with an agenda, and report high-risk or problem cases using a problem-solving approach and feedback.
• Participate in and promote a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• Apply understanding of trauma and its effects to support recovery and reduce the possibility of re-traumatization.
• Participate in training and educational programs about trauma-informed care, trauma’s impact, and trauma recovery.
• Ensure service delivery is guided by trauma-informed care and addiction-treatment principles.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relationships and use language and behavior that promote dignity and respect.
• Maintain corporate compliance, including documentation consistent with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and cooperation in the work environment.
• Respond sensitively to patients’ diverse cultural and situational needs.
• Cover another shift or team when requested by the Program Manager or Program Coordinator.

Benefits

• $5,000 total bonus opportunity: $1,500 at the one-month anniversary, $1,500 at the six-month anniversary, and $2,000 at the one-year anniversary, subject to stated eligibility and continuous-employment conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED