CSC Clinical Project Manager

DESC•Seattle, WA

40d

About The Position

Clinical Project Manager – Crisis Solutions Center (CDF & CDIS) Days Off: Saturday, Sunday Shift: Office Day 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 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: The Clinical Project Manager provides leadership and operational oversight for all program functions at DESC’s Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF) and Crisis Diversion Interim Services (CDIS), with a focus on integrating case management, behavioral health, and psychosocial services into cohesive and effective daily operations. Together with the Nursing Project Manager, this role forms a unified leadership team responsible for the overall functioning of the Crisis Solutions Center (CSC). The two Project Managers share accountability for program outcomes, staff coordination, and the delivery of consistent, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction–based care. The Clinical Project Manager ensures that case management and clinical practices are embedded within the larger operational framework of the program and that nursing and medical workflows are fully aligned. This position provides direct clinical and administrative supervision to case managers, shift supervisors, and other assigned staff. The Clinical Project Manager maintains a strong presence on the program floors to support staff, client flow, and operational stability. This position reports directly to the Senior Program Manager (SPM) and collaborates closely with the Nursing Project Manager, Senior Medical Lead, and other program and agency leadership to uphold DESC’s mission, values, and standards of care.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related behavioral science field; or a Bachelor of Nursing with specialty in mental health.
Eligible for Licensed AAC credential or any superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements as a Mental Health Professional.
Two or more years’ experience in community-based behavioral health services.
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.
Experience supervising or leading teams providing clinical services.
Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring conditions.
Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, stabilization, and case management.
Strong knowledge of Recovery Principles, Harm Reduction strategies, Trauma-Informed Care, and evidence-based practices in behavioral health.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff and clients from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to pass Washington State Criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in Washington State.
One or more years of supervisory experience.
Qualified to provide DOH-approved clinical supervision to licensure candidates.
Bilingual in Spanish/English.
Experience in working with the chronically homeless population.

Responsibilities

Provide direct clinical and administrative supervision of case managers, shift supervisors, and other assigned staff.
Maintain strong presence on program floors to monitor daily operations, client flow, and staff performance, intervening as needed to support safe and effective service delivery.
Share responsibility for integrated operations and case management with the Nursing Project Manager to ensure all clinical, medical, and case management services function cohesively.
Manage staff schedules to ensure 24/7 coverage and adequate staffing ratios.
Provide on-call support as part of a rotating leadership schedule to ensure continuous after-hours coverage for emergent operational and clinical issues.
Conduct performance evaluations on a scheduled basis and maintain supporting documentation in confidential files.
Train, coach, and mentor case management and frontline staff in crisis intervention, service planning, and client engagement strategies.
Ensure DESC and CSC program values are fully incorporated into floor operations, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
Oversee case management practices to ensure staff provide thorough assessments, stabilization services, and disposition planning for clients.
Ensure staff maintain current and complete documentation in accordance with DESC clinical accountability policies, King County requirements, and WAC/RCW standards.
Participate in case conferences, psychiatric consultations, clinical reviews, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Mentor and coach staff in implementing harm reduction, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented frameworks.
Collaborate with the Nursing/Medical Project Manager to coordinate service delivery between case management and medical teams.
Advocate for clients to access the most effective treatment, housing, and support options in the community.
Monitor compliance with contract, licensing, and regulatory requirements for crisis stabilization facilities.
Participate in DESC’s quality assurance reviews, audits, and program improvement projects.
Oversee data collection and reporting in collaboration with DESC’s Information Systems team.
Ensure staff are trained and accountable for high-quality documentation, timely service notes, and outcome tracking.
Serve as point person for coordination and problem-solving with law enforcement, hospitals, detox facilities, shelters, and other referral partners.
Maintain strong collaborative relationships with “back door” providers to ensure effective client transitions.
Represent DESC and CSC in community meetings and partnerships.
Promote and maintain positive relationships with the surrounding neighborhood.
Provide building security as needed.
Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions during client crises, modeling calm and confident leadership.
Support staff to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
Respond to medical emergencies as needed, including performing CPR or administering basic first aid until additional medical assistance arrives.
Participate in staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention activities.
Support progressive discipline processes in consultation with Senior Leadership and HR.
Oversee facility needs including supplies, vendor coordination, food service, and space utilization.
Ensure adherence to DESC personnel policies, program-specific procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of CSC.