Milieu Specialist II; Glick Recovery Center: 660

The Centers•Cleveland, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Milieu Specialist II is a critical frontline position at the Behavioral Health Crisis Center responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. This position monitors the therapeutic milieu, provides direct patient care and support, implements crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary care team to deliver comprehensive care. The Milieu Specialist II facilitates therapeutic activities, documents patient progress, conducts safety checks, and serves as a key member of the treatment team by providing valuable observations during treatment planning and ensuring continuity of care across shifts. In this role, you will lead in coordinating the activities and schedules of the unit, complete daily reports and audits, and act as the first line for problem-solving for guest and staff concerns.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar de-escalation training (or willingness to complete upon hire)
Valid Ohio driver's license with clean driving record
Must pass criminal background check
Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health or behavioral health challenges (crisis intervention, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment, or related settings)
Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses, behavioral health challenges, and trauma-informed care principles
Excellent communication skills with ability to interact effectively with individuals in crisis
Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
Empathy, patience, and non-judgmental approach to patient care
Sound judgment and decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building therapeutic relationships
Strong observational and documentation skills
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems
Computer literacy for documentation and communication purposes
Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred
Mental Health First Aid certification
Certification as a Mental Health Technician or similar credential
Experience in crisis stabilization or emergency psychiatric settings preferred
Knowledge of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders preferred
Bilingual abilities (Spanish, Arabic, or other languages commonly spoken in Cleveland area)

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic milieu for patients experiencing acute mental health crises
Monitor patient behavior and environmental safety continuously, intervening appropriately to prevent harm
Facilitate therapeutic activities and groups that promote recovery, coping skills, and emotional regulation
Model appropriate behavior and communication while maintaining professional boundaries
Coordinate and support unit activities and guest schedules (meals, self-administered medication administration, therapeutic activities)
Complete daily unit reporting for managerial review
Provide direct care and support to patients with mental health diagnoses, substance abuse issues, and co-occurring disorders
Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed while promoting independence
De-escalate crisis situations using verbal intervention techniques and trauma-informed care approaches
Document patient behaviors, interactions, and progress accurately and in a timely manner
Act as the primary point person for any guest concerns
Work closely with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and other mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care
Participate in treatment planning meetings and provide valuable observations about patient progress
Communicate effectively with team members during shift changes to ensure continuity of care
Collaborate with community resources to support patient transitions and ongoing recovery
Act as the primary point person for any staff concerns
Implement crisis intervention techniques to manage aggressive or self-harmful behaviors
Conduct safety checks and environmental rounds to maintain a secure treatment setting
Apply de-escalation strategies and crisis prevention techniques consistent with trauma-informed care principles
Follow all safety protocols, including restraint procedures when clinically indicated and authorized
Assure timely completion of safety rounding with co-workers and complete any auditing of rounding documentation
Oversee process for any guest passes off unit and timely return
Assist with admission and discharge process and coordinating those processes with crisis services staff
Capacity to physically intervene in crisis situations when necessary (may include restraint procedures)
Other duties as assigned