Milieu Specialist; Glick Recovery Campus

Milieu SpecialistAt The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner, the organization is nationally recognized, based entirely on employee feedback, for trust, purpose, and care. This position plays an important role in advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve.About the RoleThe Milieu Specialist is a critical frontline position responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing acute mental health and behavioral health crises.

You will provide direct patient care, implement evidence-based crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers to deliver comprehensive, person-centered care.You will be a valued presence in our patients' most critical moments — facilitating therapeutic activities, documenting progress, conducting safety checks, and serving as a key contributor to our treatment planning process.Shifts include:7:00am-3:30pm3:00pm-11:30pm11:00pm-7:30am7:00am-7:30pm 7:00pm-7:30pmAll shifts include working every other weekend.What You BringEducationHigh school diploma or GED (required)Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field (preferred)Licenses & CertificationsCPR 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)Valid Ohio driver's license with clean driving recordMust pass criminal background checkPreferred CertificationsMental Health First Aid certificationCertification as a Mental Health Technician or similar credentialExperienceMinimum 1 year of experience working with individuals with mental health or behavioral health challenges — including crisis intervention, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment, or related settings (required)Experience in crisis stabilization or emergency psychiatric settings (preferred)Knowledge of substance use and co-occurring disorders (preferred)What You'll DoCreate and Sustain a Therapeutic MilieuEstablish and maintain a safe, structured, and healing environment for patients in acute mental health crisisContinuously monitor patient behavior and environmental safety, intervening appropriately to prevent harmFacilitate therapeutic activities and groups that promote recovery, coping skills, and emotional regulationModel appropriate behavior and professional communication while maintaining clear boundariesDeliver Compassionate Patient CareProvide direct care and support to individuals with mental health diagnoses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditionsAssist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence and self-efficacyDe-escalate crisis situations using verbal intervention and trauma-informed care approachesDocument patient behaviors, interactions, and progress accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic health record (EHR)Collaborate as Part of a Multidisciplinary TeamPartner closely with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and case managers to coordinate individualized care plansParticipate in treatment planning meetings and contribute observations about patient progressCommunicate effectively during shift transitions to ensure continuity of careConnect patients and families with community resources to support transitions and long-term recoveryEnsure Safety and Crisis InterventionImplement crisis intervention protocols to manage aggressive or self-harmful behaviorConduct safety checks and environmental rounds to maintain a secure treatment settingApply de-escalation strategies consistent with trauma-informed care and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) principlesFollow all safety protocols, including authorized restraint procedures when clinically indicatedSkills That Set You ApartClinical & InterpersonalStrong understanding of mental health diagnoses, behavioral health challenges, and trauma-informed care principlesExcellent communication skills when interacting with individuals in crisisCultural competency and experience working with diverse populationsEmpathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach to every patient interactionProfessionalSound judgment and decision-making in high-pressure situationsAbility to maintain professional boundaries while building therapeutic relationshipsStrong observational and documentation skillsFlexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, unpredictable environmentTechnicalProficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systemsUnderstanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirementsBonus PointsBilingual abilities — Spanish, Arabic, or other languages commonly spoken in the Cleveland area are a strong plusWorking ConditionsThis is an on-site, active role in a fast-paced crisis environment with high patient acuity. You should be prepared for:Exposure to individuals experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms and behavioral dysregulationPotential for verbal and physical aggression, requiring implementation of safety protocolsExtended periods of standing and walking throughout your shiftThe need for physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary to ensure patient and staff safetyMental stamina to manage high-stress situations and emotionally demanding workRotating shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidaysPhysical RequirementsThis role involves walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and driving as needed. Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during their shift and may need to physically intervene in crisis situations to ensure patient and staff safety.Why Join The Centers?At The Centers, you are joining a mission-driven organization committed to behavioral health equity and whole-person care in the greater Cleveland community.

We invest in the professionals who power our care — because we know that when our team thrives, our patients do too.Meaningful, purpose-driven work with a direct impact on patient outcomesCollaborative, multidisciplinary team environmentOpportunities for professional development and credentialing supportCommitment to a culture of psychological safety and inclusionDiverse, community-rooted workplace serving the people of ClevelandEqual Opportunity StatementThe Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.JobFamilyHealth CarePayTypeHourlyEmploymentIndicatorRegularHiringMinRate20.19HiringMaxRate24.9