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Since 1985, BHCHP’s mission has been to ensure unconditionally equitable and dignified access to the highest quality health care for all individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. Over 10,000 homeless individuals are cared for by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program each year. We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. Our clinicians, case managers, and behavioral health professionals work in more than 30 locations to serve some of our community’s most vulnerable—and most resilient—citizens.
From our earliest days as a program, we have always sought to do work that is transformational: recognizing our shared humanity; centering dignity, compassion, mutual respect and supporting the right of every individual to access the highest levels of health care and every staff member to reach their fullest potential. We continue to be committed to building bridges and breaking down barriers, including systemic racism which harms us all. We provide community-based health care services that are compassionate, dignified, and culturally appropriate, incorporating social determinants of health, with the goal of breaking down the physical and systemic barriers that our patients face.
Job Summary:
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Union: Yes
Union Name: 1199SEIU
Patient Facing: Yes
The Treatment Program Specialist / Milieu Manager is a compassionate, trauma-informed professional who supports patients with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and complex medical needs through a harm reduction and patient-centered approach. This role screens patients for treatment program referrals, coordinates substance use treatment placements, develops individualized discharge plans, and helps patients overcome barriers to recovery.
The Treatment Program Specialist also plays a key role in maintaining a safe and therapeutic respite environment by providing milieu management, utilizing trauma-informed de-escalation techniques, responding to behavioral concerns, and promoting patient engagement. This position collaborates closely with Behavioral Health, Nursing, Medical Providers, RN Care Managers, Case Management, Security, and community treatment programs while participating in daily interdisciplinary rounds, team huddles, and discharge planning.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct biopsychosocial and substance use assessments to determine patients' treatment needs and readiness for change.
- Utilize trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches to engage patients throughout their recovery journey.
- Coordinate referrals and admissions to community treatment programs, including ATS (detox), CSS, TSS, residential treatment, halfway houses, sober homes, low-threshold programs, MAT programs, and other recovery services.
- Develop individualized discharge plans in collaboration with Nurse Care Managers, Behavioral Health Clinicians, Medical Providers, Case Managers, Recovery Coaches, Unit Secretaries, and community partners.
- Assist patients with treatment applications, required documentation, transportation, and transition planning.
- Maintain communication with community treatment providers regarding bed availability, admission requirements, and continuity of care.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and therapeutic milieu by utilizing trauma-informed de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, culturally responsive communication, and patient-centered engagement.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, team huddles, case conferences, and discharge planning meetings.
- Build collaborative relationships with community treatment providers and recovery organizations.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Educate patients on treatment options, overdose prevention, naloxone, relapse prevention, harm reduction strategies, and recovery resources.
- Support BHCHP's mission by promoting patient dignity, cultural humility, self-determination, and compassionate care.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental illness, trauma, homelessness, or complex medical conditions.
- Experience in medical respite, hospitals, shelters, community health centers, detoxification programs, residential treatment, or other behavioral health settings preferred.
- Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, stages of change, and recovery-oriented care.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and coordinating community-based referrals.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese) strongly preferred.
- Lived experience in recovery or experience working within recovery-oriented systems of care is valued.
- The compensation ranges from $22.25 – $35.60 per hour and increases based on years of experience.
- BHCHP full-time employees are eligible for our competitive time off program, health, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement savings plan, pre-tax MBTA pass program with 40% discount, additional compensation for demonstrated bilingual proficiency and more. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you.
As an equal opportunity employer, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Covid-19 Vaccination: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) is optional for employment. Candidates who are offered employment will be given details about how to demonstrate receipt of vaccination if they choose to.
Please Note: Employment at Boston Health Care for the Homeless is at-will. Boston Health Care for the Homeless does not sponsor work authorization visas.
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