Milieu Therapist - Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Tewksbury, MA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic Milieu Therapist to play an essential role in meeting therapeutic goals and objectives for patients on a medical unit that specializes in working with people with substance use disorder. The Milieu Therapist (MT) will create activities and milieu structure by running groups, modeling interpersonal behaviors with patients and peers and will participate in the implementation and communication of individual treatment/behavioral plans for patients admitted for medical care on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) unit. The MT will take an active role in milieu management by being visible on the unit, working one-on-one and in various groups of staff and patients. Additionally, the MT will perform other work-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Experience working with treatment plans.
Experience in group dynamics as related to group work.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of counseling.
Has the ability to design and document treatment/behavioral plans.
Has the knowledge and skill to identify behavioral/psychiatric problems.
Knowledge of psychiatric and cognitive disorders.
Knowledge of psychosocial problems associated with homelessness.
Knowledge of motivation and reinforcement techniques.
Ability to make case assessments through direct patient interviews, case record reviews and case discussion with Unit Team members.
Ability to respond appropriately to difficult behavior and de-escalate situations in a safe and effective manner.
Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
Ability to model interpersonal communications for patients and peers.
Experience with active participation in team meetings.
Ability to document in a medical record.
Knowledge of general report writing.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and adherence to HIPAA regulations.
Effective oral and written communication skills
Experience with the use of computers, computer programs and online resources
Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.

Responsibilities

Under direction and supervision, the MT may interview patients and others to obtain information for determining patients' needs for services.
The MT will assess, recommend and provide various psychosocial/behavioral modalities which may include the following components: SUD, emotional, social, environmental, vocational, developmental and legal issues.
The MT will develop and compose individual plans with some or all components outlined.
The MT monitors the implementation of individual treatment/behavioral plans.
Prepare and maintain treatment records, narratives, statistics, team reports and other required documents assigned by direct supervisor.
Remain accessible to patients to assist in keeping them engaged in activities.
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and acts as a role model for patients and staff.
Actively promotes a safe, non-judgmental milieu for patients and staff.
Facilitates and leads groups with patients.
Document all group activities.
Plans and coordinates self-help meetings and monitors patient attendance.
Assists with patient visits, fresh air walks, ATM use and other related activities as needed and directed by the supervisor in managing patient visits.
Supports patients in the development of discharge plans related to SUD treatment.
Provides recreational activities with or independently of the recreation department.
Provides orientation to new milieu therapists.
Uses the least restrictive measures to de-escalate patients and, in emergencies, provides appropriate crisis intervention techniques.
Communicates clinically appropriate information to the SUD Unit Team and others as directed.
Actively participates in treatment planning and team meetings.
Provides input for policies and procedures when appropriate.
Actively participates in supervision with peers and/or direct supervisor.
Assists/leads community meeting and helps patients communicate daily issues and participates in the processing of the community meeting with other staff.
Demonstrates competence appropriate to the patients served.
Demonstrates competence in assessing and providing care that is cognizant of, and sensitive to patients' cultural and spiritual needs.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.