Residential Counselor - Swing Shift

Description

Days Off: Friday, Saturday

Shift: Swing

Shift Differential: $0.50 per hour

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

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

Union Representation: This position is a part of a union and is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

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 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:

We are looking for energized and passionate Residential Counselors to manage basic day-to-day operations at our Permanent Supportive Housing Projects. Residential Counselors assist the individuals living in our supportive housing with their daily needs, with special emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact with residents in the general milieu and common areas.
• Assist clinical staff in the coordination of services to residents; contact residents' outside service providers as necessary.
• Assist clinical staff in engaging residents through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence.
• Assist clinical staff in the initiation, facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, therapeutic support groups, outings and community meetings.
• Manage all building operations in the absence of other project and clinical staff as assigned.
• Operate all functions in lobby office, including checking visitors in and out, answering telephones and monitoring security systems.
• Maintain safety and security by monitoring all general access areas and enforcing project rules.
• Intervene in crises, respond to emergencies, and initiate action as required, including contact with emergency response systems.
• Write significant events involving residents and building operations activities in a daily log; read log daily.
• Assist with room turnovers, new resident leasing and orientation; rent collection and facilities inspections.
• Respond to resident complaints.
• Work cooperatively with clinical and maintenance staff sited at the project and with visiting providers; refer residents to clinical and other staff as necessary
• Initiate appropriate response to maintenance requests.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist with other property management functions as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Basic understanding of homelessness and various characteristics of homeless adult population.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behaviors.
• Subscription to philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA degree in social or behavioral science.
• Residential property management experience.
• Experience with the challenges of mental illness and substance use.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License, insurable driving record, abil