Lead Milieu Counselor - SAGE

Department/Program: SAGE

Job Type: In-person

Work location: Mt. Scott

Reports to:  Assistant Program Director

FLSA status:  Non-exempt/hourly

Salary: $25.96/hr. - $28.62/hr. (Bilingual Spanish - $28.30/hr. - $31.20/hr.)

Job Summary:

The Lead Milieu Counselor supervises youth in the milieu of an intensive treatment program providing support and guidance for daily living skills. Responsibilities include providing both program and transitional support and intervention to youth in placement. The Lead MC strives to sustain a strong leadership role amongst the Milieu Counselors and provides direction during shifts when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides supervision and support for youth in a milieu setting.
• Employs interventions that are consistent with best practices, the therapeutic models delivered by the program, ethical principles, and professional standards, regulations, policies, and procedures, and laws.
• Models appropriate interpersonal interactions while handling the activities and situations in the milieu space.
• Uses structure, routines, and activities to promote effective relationships.
• Responds to client behavior while encouraging and promoting several alternatives for the healthy expression of needs and feelings.
• Assists clients in identifying and developing their strengths through activities and other experiences. 
• Recognizes personal strengths and limitations, feelings, and needs.
• Shares decision making whenever possible. Uses a collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Is present and punctual for scheduled shifts and/or meetings.
• Works well within a team environment, sharing workload, responsibilities, credit, and opportunities.
• Uses scheduled supervision constructively, responds nondefensively and applies supervisory feedback.
• This position is in an on-call rotation.
• May provide emergency coverage during non-shift times including carrying a phone to support program and staff.
• Demonstrate a commitment to developing a thorough knowledge and application of the Sanctuary model and other organizational policies & practices.  
• Participate in staff development, in-services, and training related to workplace effectiveness; model professional behaviors and implement improvements to business practices with awareness of their impact in a trauma-informed behavioral healthcare organization.  
• Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operation of program/department.

Competencies: 

• Employ developmentally sensitive expectations in setting appropriate boundaries and limits.
• Respond to behavior while encouraging and promoting several alternatives for the healthy expression of needs and feelings.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships within a team environment by promoting and maintaining professional conduct, negotiating and resolving conflict, acknowledging individual differences, and supporting team members.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize professional limitations and seeks supervision when appropriate.
• Acknowledges and respects the diversity of all individuals and demonstrates openness to providing culturally responsive care and treatment to clients and their families.
• Follows safe medication administration practices by adhering to prescribed medication use, including doses and documentation. Seeks consultation to address medication concerns and availability.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in assessing suicide risk factors and facilitating screening and triage.
• Acts efficiently and quickly in response to medical emergencies and performs CPR and first aid as needed, following all crisis policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge to support clients experiencing a mental health crisis including de-escalation techniques and facilitating access to appropriate crisis services.
• Understands and complies with mandatory reporting requirements. Use developmentally appropriate and trauma informed approach to follow agency protocol for assessment and intervention.
• Verbally, and using physical restraint techniques when necessary, de-escalates crisis situations following agency protocol in a manner that protects dignity and integrity.

Required Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2 years of experience working with youth or a combination of education and related experience
• Basic computer skills using word processing, spreadsheets, databases and email

 Preferred Position Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish, both written and spoken. Must clear a language proficiency test for Spanish.
• Bachelor’s degree in a social service or field or equivalent education, training and experience
• Direct experience with children and/or adolescents in a residential setting

Other Requirements:

• Shifts may require day, evening, overnight and weekend hours.
• Overtime and emergency coverage may be required outside of normal assigned shift hours
• Provides emergency first aid, as needed, and maintains a current standard first aid/CPR certification
• Able to pass a comprehensive criminal history background investigation

For positions that require driving:

• Must hold valid driver’s license— Oregon or Washington within 30 days of hire

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is done in clinical offices, community settings, including Morrison Residential, administration buildings, public locations, and social service sites. Breaks and meals are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.
• Mental demands: Work assigned is diverse and may involve addressing new and unique circumstances. The work might be unpredictable and disrupts planned tasks, requiring flexible time management.
•  Physical demands: Ability to remain calm and emotionally available serving youth, adults and or families who have experienced trauma. Proficient with office equipment and physical movement. Ability to perform physical interventions if needed in accordance with program and training. Physical dexterity for reaching, stooping, and repetitive wrist and hand motions.