Milieu Counselor - FT

MID-FAIRFIELD CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER INC•Norwalk, CT

8d•$20 - $23

About The Position

Prospects Extended Day Treatment Program Milieu Counselor is part of an interdisciplinary team and is the direct day-to-day therapeutic link between the child, family, school, and clinical/psychiatric team during a child’s treatment.

Requirements

HS Diploma or GED equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred, mental-health related major
Must be able to work day shift from 10AM - 6PM.
Minimum of 2-years’ experience working with children and families, preferably in a residential, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or milieu-based setting
Familiarity with mental health diagnosis, treatment, and service systems
Highly skilled in behavioral management
Experience facilitating psychoeducational, therapeutic groups and developing appropriate child-centered activities
Experience and competence working with individuals and families from culturally diverse backgrounds, required
Verbal and written fluency in English, required
Availability to work evenings, as needed
Computer skills, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
Must be able to demonstrate:
Proven ability to follow program and agency, protocols as well as making independent decisions that are in the best interest of the families while working both in the office and in the field
Strong crisis assessment skills of an acute population
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment within a multi-disciplinary team
Proven ability to manage conflict appropriately
Proven ability to communicate with families as well as with other providers such as school social workers, teachers and other community partners among others
Demonstrated ability to maintain healthy boundaries between personal and professional responsibilities to be able to function in a high stress job
Proven ability to manage conflict appropriately and advocate for victims of violence
Knowledge of person-centered care
Appropriate guidance and facilitation skills for families in the context of their culture, health status, and health needs
Knowledge of basic group skills
Basic negotiation skills
Ability to delegate tasks, responsibilities, etc.
Excellent time management skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred, mental-health related major

Responsibilities

Primary counselor for children (approximately four) within their assigned rooms.
Complete daily progress notes and Individualized Crisis Service Plans for assigned cases.
Facilitate groups and activities for clients within their assigned rooms.
Provide crisis intervention, as clinically indicated.
Implementation of behavior modification/level system.
Monitor daily attendance and provide updates/recommendations to treatment team, as needed.
Maintain schedule of psychiatric appointments and remind parent/caregiver of appointments, as needed.
Notify clinician(s) and Prospects EDT Program Manager or Clinical Director of EDT/IOP of any psychiatric and/or medical emergency that occurs (e.g., client discloses abuse, expresses suicidal/homicidal ideation or intent).
Complete incident reports documenting restraints, critical incidents and/or injuries within 24-hours and submit to EDT Program Manager for review
Attend and participate in all necessary meetings including but not limited to interdisciplinary treatment plan review meetings, clinical rounds, community activities/events, staff meetings, conferences, in-service training and workshops identified by Mid Fairfield Community Care Center as conducive to continued growth and skill development.
Maintain contact with schools and solicit weekly updates regarding academic and behavioral progress for assigned clients. Document school observations and school contacts.
Assist in discharge planning and help clinician and parent/caregiver determine appropriate recreational activities/programs.
Obtain Public Service License within 6-months of date of hire. Of note: costs involved in obtaining the license will be reimbursed in full by Mid Fairfield Community Care Center.
Complete other duties, as assigned.