SUD Counselor - Swing Shift, CDF

DESC•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 3,000 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: Crisis Solutions Center is a residential treatment facility that provides stabilization services to clients experiencing acute or ongoing behavioral health crises. Substance Use Disorder Counselors work within a multi-disciplinary team to create and implement detailed, client-centered care and safety plans; facilitate group and individual counseling; and ensure services are fully integrated with mental health, substance use, and primary care teams. Substance Use Disorder Counselors will complete screenings and perform assessments, maintain a comprehensive list of community partners and client resources; and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.

Requirements

Licensed by the State of Washington as a Substance Use Disorder Professional in good standing.
Ability to drive an agency or conduct agency-related business. A current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record are required.
Ability to obtain a Washington State Food Handler’s Permit.
Interest in working with individuals who are experiencing mental illness and/or substance use disorders who may be difficult to engage in other treatment programs.
Have a strong understanding of recovery and resilience, the value of client partnerships and client choice, and the balance between protection from harm and personal dignity.
Possess strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate and work effectively with consumers and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Be able to pass a Washington State Criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree in a relevant social science.
Knowledge of de-escalation skills, crisis intervention & stabilization, and harm reduction strategies.
Familiarity of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them
Experience working with adults living with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders
Bilingual
Candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Perform alcohol and drug use assessments to develop and support client-driven treatment plans; facilitate linkages to collaborative resources when appropriate.
Plan, organize, and facilitate treatment and support groups for clients
Provide substance use consultations and trainings to Crisis Solutions Center staff as appropriate; serve as a subject matter expert on harm reduction and best practices by providing trauma informed care/destigmatization in SUD language and documentation.
Advocate for client access to community resources and services; consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings and in-service trainings; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for clients admitted to the CSC.
Participate in verbal de-escalation in emergent situations; work as a team to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment including 15-minute client wellness checks.
Maintain current and complete clinical and administrative records, including but not limited to goal planners, progress notes, safety and risk assessments, shift summary notes, and care-coordination between internal and/or external partners.
Demonstrate DESC core values and professionalism in all client and staff interactions; follow agency clinical policies and procedures; participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned
Provide phone consultation for referents to the CSC, monitor office security cameras, answer phone calls, and other administrative duties.
Serve food, do laundry and change linens, help clean common areas, and occasionally clean up bodily fluids and biohazardous waste using appropriate PPE.
Provide transportation for clients as necessary.
Attend a 2-week onboarding process upon hire and attend a full day of mandatory training during employment.
Other duties as assigned.