Job Type

Description

Days Off: Friday, Saturday 

Shift: Day (9am-5pm)

Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan

About DESC:

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness.

As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 2,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness.

JOB DEFINITION:

The Clinical Support Specialist will work in conjunction with other project staff and case managers from DESC and outside provider organizations. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, in collaboration with residents and outside provider case managers, a Residential Services Plan (RSP) for each resident, that details resident needs as well as treatment goals and strategies to be pursued during residency.
• Identify and coordinate those case management elements that will be provided by case managers from outside provider organizations; directly provide other needed case management services.
• Maintain regular contact with residents and case managers from outside provider organizations to monitor progress toward goals identified in the RSP, and to ensure adequate provision of identified services.
• Record progress notes in each resident's RSP file/Chasers regularly.
• Record significant events in the daily log; read log daily.
• Help identify, assess, and locate potential tenants.
• Assist residents with the formation of therapeutic support groups, interest groups and activities; facilitate as appropriate.
• Organize outings and other activities for residents.
• Facilitate resident community meetings.
• Work with residents and other staff to identify needs for additional on-site services, groups and activities; plan for the provision of these services in conjunction with staff, residents, volunteers and other providers.
• Intervene in crises as necessary.
• Assist with building rule enforcement.
• Assist with other property management functions as assigned by the Project Manager.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Attend weekly SUD team meetings and perform other duties requested by SUD team, including documentation of services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to perform all major and assigned duties and responsibilities with or without accommodations.
• Current Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) license in Washington State, or equivalent, or ability to obtain an AAC license soon after hire.
• Clinical experience working with homeless adults disabled by chronic alcoholism, mental illness, and drug use.
• Knowledge of local homeless, mental health, and chemical dependency service systems.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behavior.
• Commitment to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across agency programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Relevant Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR
2. A combination of 1 year* of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties

*Internal applicants in direct, client facing positions can substitute 6 months of experience in lieu of 1 year

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years' experience working with homeless adults disabled by chronic alcoholism, mental illness, and/or drug use.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required sit for long periods of time, communicate with other employees by talking and hearing, required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds and to operate computer systems. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

DESC is committed to diversity in the workplace, and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Salary Description