Job Description
Job Title: Milieu Treatment Counselor
11 am to 10 pm. Wed - Sat
The Milieu Treatment Counselor supports the daily operation and supervision of a residential treatment program. Working under the Milieu Treatment Coordinator, this role helps create a safe, structured, and predictable living environment rooted in the Sanctuary Model. The ultimate goal: reduce physical restraints and seclusion by building a culture of safety, trust, and healing.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
(Other duties may be assigned)
- Uphold and actively practice the philosophy, values, and principles of the Sanctuary Model in all interactions with residents, families, and staff.
- Promote and support a culture that respects diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Maintain day-to-day operations of the residential milieu, ensuring safety, structure, and consistency.
- Serve as an active member of the treatment team, contributing effectively to group problem-solving and task delegation.
- Assist with implementing individual Treatment Plans, including Guidance Plans, Safety Plans, and Self-Care Plans; review treatment goals weekly with assigned residents.
- Facilitate or assist with unit-based therapeutic groups.
- Act as an advocate for residents and families by building meaningful relationships, monitoring progress, identifying barriers to success, and supporting skill development within the milieu.
- Manage resident behavior using least restrictive interventions and complete required documentation accurately and on time.
- Participate actively in supervision, demonstrating openness to feedback, accountability, and constructive communication.
- Ensure residents’ basic needs are met, including food, clothing, grooming, and general well-being; support residents in maintaining the facility environment.
- Comply with State of Iowa Food Service Establishment Laws when preparing or handling food.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with staff, both verbally and in writing; report maintenance or environmental concerns to supervisors.
- Provide transportation and supervision for individual and group activities, including medical appointments and recreational outings.
- Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, following established procedures for time off and illness reporting.
- Participate in staff development training and the Milieu Treatment Counselor Career Ladder program.
Schedule & Compensation
- Schedule based on program needs, typically Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday.
- Weekend and school holiday shifts may be 12–15 hours with a paid one-hour break.
- Availability for overtime coverage required for both planned and unplanned staff absences.
- Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and training.
Qualifications
General Requirements
- Physician certification of adequate health at hire and every three years thereafter.
- Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting, and abuse registry clearances.
- Valid driver’s license and proof of personal vehicle liability insurance at all times.
Special Requirements
- Completion of required training within the first six months, including:
- New Staff Orientation
- Mandatory Reporter Training
- Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques (TACT2)
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
- First Aid/CPR
- Medication Manager Course
- Maintain ongoing compliance with training and career ladder requirements.
- Must qualify for agency insurance to transport residents.
- Ability to respond professionally to emergencies, including physical restraint and self-protection when necessary.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, or a related human services field preferred.
- Consideration given to candidates with an AA degree plus relevant experience or current enrollment in an undergraduate program with related experience.
- Prior experience working with children, youth, and families required.
- Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills essential.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to read and interpret professional materials, policies, and regulations.
- Basic math skills, including calculating rates, ratios, and percentages.
- Strong reasoning and judgment skills, including the ability to assess risk and respond to imminent safety concerns.
Physical & Work Environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Standing, walking, sitting, and physical intervention may be required.
- Exposure to outdoor conditions and moderate noise levels typical of a residential treatment setting.