DESC·Seattle, Washington
The counselor performs alcohol and drug assessments, develops treatment plans, and facilitates support groups for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They also provide consultation to staff and participate in a multi-disciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and client advocacy.
Recognized nationally as an innovator and leader in developing solutions to homelessness, DESC is a social services organization, supportive housing operator, and licensed behavioral health treatment provider focused on meeting the needs of people experiencing long-term homelessness and living with complex behavioral health and other medical conditions. Approximately 3,000 people are actively receiving services from DESC at any given point in time. Our vision is a community where all people are shown compassion, treated with dignity, and everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
DESC operates five shelter/emergency housing programs,19 permanent supportive housing facilities with over 1,750 units, several hundred additional scattered site apartments, and a range of behavioral health services including outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, residential crisis stabilization, street outreach, mobile crisis response, and treatment for opioid use disorder.
The Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) trains under a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUD) who works cooperatively with agency staff & community resources to provide a range of services to clients with drug & alcohol problems. Many clients have a sustained and/or complicated substance abuse history in addition to their co-occurring mental disorder. Often people suffering from mental illness who lack access to psychiatric treatment, attempt to self-medicate with street drugs or alcohol to lessen the symptoms. The ability to provide highly integrated services to people with concurrent mental health and substance use concerns is rare among homeless service providers. At DESC, our network of clinical services allows counselors to work in coordination with mental health case managers in both the emergency shelter and in supportive housing projects so that services meet clients at their current level and offer the support that can lead to significant change.
Licensed by the State of Washington as a Substance Use Disorder Professional or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee in good standing. For SUDPT: Attested to the WA State Department of Health that the applicant is currently enrolled in an educational program to meet the educational requirements of a SUDP. The requirement for full licensure is an associate degree. Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency related business. A current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record are required. Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health programs. Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.
Bi-cultural and/or bilingual background/experience. Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made. While performing duties, the employee may sit for long periods, lift up to 40 pounds, operate computers, and communicate with others. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
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.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Washington are typically supported by steady demand from outpatient, community, and telehealth settings. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a current unrestricted clinical license, experience with evidence-based therapy, and the ability to work from a HIPAA-compliant home office. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit, then verify your license status and prepare examples of your therapy approach before applying.