Milieu Counselor PRN - Crisis Services/CSU (56313)

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR) is seeking compassionate and adaptable Milieu Counselors (PRN) to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and support clients in need of short-term, intensive mental health care. In this role, you’ll provide oversight and support to individuals staying in the CSU for up to five days, helping maintain a safe and therapeutic environment through group and individual interactions, meal and activity assistance, safety checks, and responsive care in a fast-paced setting. Ideal candidates bring strong social and de-escalation skills, a genuine interest in mental health, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations—all while delivering excellent documentation and customer service.

Salary for this role. Starting wage is based on experience and company equity. Paid bi-weekly.

• $18.87 - $28.00 per hour

Schedule. The CSU is a 24/7 program open every day of the year, and Milieu Counselors work fully onsite/in person. Shifts are 10 hours in length, with options including the following. PRN staff are typically required to work at least two shifts per month. 

• Day: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Overnight: 9:00 pm - 7:00 am
• Swing Shift: 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Shift Differential Pay. The afternoon or swing shift differential is paid from 3 pm to 11 pm. The evening shift differential is paid from 11 pm to 7 am. The Weekend day shift is paid from 7 am to 3 for Saturday and Sunday only.

• Overnight Weekday (Monday - Thursday): $2.50/hour
• Overnight Weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday): $3.50/hour
• Swing Weekday (Mon-Thurs): $1.25/hour
• Swing Weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun): $1.75/hour
• Day Weekend (Sat, Sun): $1.00/hour

Essential Functions:

• Assist in the development and implementation of treatment and disposition plans.
• Participate in crisis and behavior management/de-escalation interventions as needed, according to state regulations, training, and established best practices.
• Develop and facilitate psychoeducational groups.
• Works with clients to identify personal strengths, un-met needs, and interventions that will support the client in regaining a sense of control.
• Assist with intake procedures including: decontamination, documentation, inventory of client belongings, and orientation to the facility.
• Assist with discharge procedures.
• Conduct one-on-ones to ensure that the treatment team has a comprehensive understanding of the clients self-identified needs.
• Provide trauma-informed interventions that minimize harm and restrictive measures and empower clients to share responsibility in their recovery plan.
• Provide group and one-on-one education to clients based on the clients individual treatment plan and goals.
• Maintain a safe therapeutic environment that emphasizes recovery, resilience and building a sense of community.
• Assist or take a lead role in meal preparation for clients.
• Maintain a clean unit.
• Staff member will complete needed care coordination tasks for their assigned role.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in the human services field or an unrelated bachelor’s degree and one year equivalent experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Professional and timely communication, assessing and describing client observations to applicable staff.
• Ability to assess crisis situations and intervene appropriately.
• Understanding and ability to work with differing behavioral health presentations.
• Effective organizational skills.