Milieu Therapist (Bachelor's Level) - Children's Unit (Various Shifts)

Apalachee Center, Inc. is best known for helping individuals and families of North Florida succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric, and substance abuse crises. Apalachee Center, Inc. provides comprehensive behavioral health services across 8 counties (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties).

Apalachee Center, Inc. offers competitive benefits for our full-time positions to include health, dental, vision, basic life insurance, long term disability, paid time off, and more.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Milieu Therapist is a professional responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for children in a behavioral health setting. The role focuses on fostering emotional growth, enhancing social skills, and promoting positive behaviors in alignment with individualized treatment plans. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, empathy, and expertise in therapeutic intervention techniques.

ESSENTIAL/CORE JOB-SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Therapeutic Environment Management

   1. Maintain a structured, nurturing, and supportive therapeutic milieu.

   2. Model appropriate professional behavior and communication to foster a culture of respect and safety.

   3. Implement strategies to support emotional regulation, stress management, and conflict resolution.

2. Direct Client Interaction

   1. Build rapport with children through consistent, respectful, and supportive interactions.

   2. Facilitate group and individual therapeutic activities that align with treatment goals.

   3. Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and interactions.

3. Collaboration

   1. Communicate effectively with families, guardians, and support systems to ensure continuity of care.

   2. Attend and contribute to shift report.

4. Crisis Intervention

   1. Respond to crises with professionalism, using de-escalation and therapeutic intervention techniques.

   2. Uphold safety protocols and maintain composure under high-pressure situations.

5. Communicates immediately to nursing staff important information regarding client's concerns or complaints regarding physical and emotional needs, changes in patient functioning or status, any symptoms of possible medical or psychiatric emergencies, or possible missing persons or elopements.

OTHER JOB-SPECIFIC:

1. Must participate and complete all levels of Crisis Intervention Institute (CPI) training to include verbal intervention (VI), nonviolent crisis intervention (NCI), and nonviolent crisis intervention with advanced physical skills (APS).

2. Assists in the placement of patients into seclusion/restraint as directed by nurse using approved techniques and methods.  Observes and documents monitoring of patient behavior in accordance with unit procedure.  Initiates and/or immediately responds to "code green" as needed in accordance with unit procedure.

3.  At the conclusion of a shift, must clear departure with the unit supervisor to ensure shift coverage and continuity.  May be required to remain on duty at the conclusion of a regularly scheduled shift at the discretion of the unit supervisor if the staffing needs of the unit so dictate.  For example, if the “replacement” does not report for duty, and absence would result in a variance from required or safe staffing levels, must remain on duty until adequate alternate coverage can be arranged.

Shifts: Rotating 12-hour night shifts available. The hours are 7:30pm-8:00am. Every other weekend off. 

Shift differential: We are pleased to offer a competitive shift differential during the hours 4:00pm-8:00am. 

Education/Experience: 

• A Bachelors degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field.

• Experience working with children in behavioral health, education, or a therapeutic setting.

Licensure or Certification:

• Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.

• Must possess current, valid driver’s license and maintain Apalachee Designated Auto Driver status.

Required Skills and Competencies

1. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

   • Ability to engage with children, families, and colleagues in a compassionate, professional manner.

   • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective documentation and team collaboration.

2. Therapeutic Expertise

   • Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and therapeutic intervention techniques.

   • Experience with behavior management strategies and positive reinforcement methods.

3. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

   • Capacity to assess situations quickly and implement appropriate interventions.

   • Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during crises.

4. Organizational and Professional Skills

   • Strong time-management and multitasking abilities in a dynamic environment.

   • Consistent adherence to professional standards, boundaries, and ethical guidelines.