Supportive Housing Counselor – Day Shift

DESC; Burien (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

ORCA card subsidy

Paid Time Off (34 days per year)

Retirement Plan

SEIU 1199NW union representation

Job summary

DESC is seeking a Residential Counselor for the Day Shift in Burien, WA. The role focuses on assisting residents with daily needs, coordinating with clinical staff, and promoting on-site activities within a unionized, supportive housing setting.

The position offers full-time hours, benefits such as medical, dental, life, and more, along with PTO, retirement plans, and transit subsidies. A WA driver’s license is preferred.

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.

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.

Skills

Homelessness awareness

Interpersonal communication

Handling challenging behaviors

Team collaboration

Education

BA degree in social or behavioral science

Residential property management experience

Experience with mental illness and substance use

Washington State Driver’s License

Job description

DESC is seeking a Residential Counselor for the Day Shift in Burien, WA. The role focuses on assisting residents with daily needs, coordinating with clinical staff, and promoting on-site activities within a unionized, supportive housing setting.

The position offers full-time hours, benefits such as medical, dental, life, and more, along with PTO, retirement plans, and transit subsidies. A WA driver’s license is preferred.