Milieu Specialist II; Glick Recovery Center: 660

Job Summary

The Milieu Specialist 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.

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Milieu Specialist II to join our team at our Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this critical frontline role, you will create and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. You will be responsible for monitoring the therapeutic milieu, supporting patients in their recovery journey, and working collaboratively with our multidisciplinary care team to provide exceptional care during some of the most vulnerable moments in our patients' lives.

Essential Duties And 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
• Cook meals, administer self-administered medication, and coordinate unit activities and guest schedules
• Complete daily unit reporting for managerial review

Patient Care and Support

• Provide direct care and support to patients with mental health diagnoses, substance abuse issues, and co-occurring disorders
• Absorb 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

Team Collaboration

• 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

Safety and Crisis Intervention

• 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
• Affirm 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 Non-Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred
• Certification: 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)
• License: Valid Ohio driver's license with clean driving record
• Criminal Background Check: Must pass criminal background check
• Preferred Certifications: Mental Health First Aid certification; Certification as a Mental Health Technician or similar credential
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health or behavioral health challenges (crisis intervention, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment, or related settings); Experience in crisis stabilization or emergency psychiatric settings preferred
• Knowledge: Of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders preferred
• Skills: Clinical and interpersonal skills; 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; Professional skills; Sound judgment and decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations; Strong observational and documentation skills; Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment; Technical skills; Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems; Computer literacy for documentation and communication purposes; Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements
• Preferred Skills: Bilingual abilities (Spanish, Arabic, or other languages commonly spoken in Cleveland area)