Clinical Support Specialist

Downtown Emergency Service Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Clinical Support Specialist works under the direction of the CSS Supervisor or Project Manager as part of an integrated care team. The role provides and coordinates clinical services for tenants, including case management and mental health services, in collaboration with DESC staff and outside provider agencies. DESC is a social services organization, supportive housing operator, and licensed behavioral health treatment provider serving people experiencing long-term homelessness and complex behavioral health and medical conditions. Its services include shelter and emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, residential crisis stabilization, street outreach, mobile crisis response, and opioid use disorder treatment. This is a full-time, union-represented position with a day shift from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday off. The salary is $39.08–$43.15 per hour.

Requirements

Ability to perform the major and assigned duties, with or without accommodations.
Current Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) license, equivalent credential, or ability to obtain an AAC license soon after hire.
Clinical experience working with homeless adults disabled by chronic alcoholism, mental illness, and drug use.
Knowledge of local homeless, mental health, and chemical dependency service systems.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behavior.
Commitment to cooperation and continuity across agency programs and to consideration and respect for clients.
Relevant bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science, or a combination of one year of relevant paid work experience and demonstrated ability to perform the required duties. Internal applicants in direct client-facing positions may substitute six months of experience for one year.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to operate computer hardware systems.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working with homeless adults disabled by chronic alcoholism, mental illness, and/or drug use.
Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

Engage tenants through creative, equitable, culturally relevant, and resourceful approaches that build trust and publicize available services.
Develop and routinely update an Integrated Service Plan (ISP) with tenants, case managers, and other staff to support housing success.
Identify and coordinate case management responsibilities provided by DESC or outside-provider case managers.
Support tenants in maintaining safe, healthy unit conditions and passing apartment inspections, including hands-on cleaning assistance, coordinating caregiver or chore-worker services, and teaching independent-living skills.
Provide case management services that are not covered by other providers.
Maintain regular contact with tenants and case managers to monitor progress toward ISP goals and ensure identified services are provided.
Document tenant interactions using logs, service notes, EORs, emails, and other appropriate methods in accordance with agency guidelines.
Meet project-specific contractual service and documentation obligations.
Use trauma-informed strategies to intervene in crises and assist with building-rule enforcement and lease compliance when needed.
Educate and support tenants to help them succeed as leaseholders.
Assist with forming interest groups or therapeutic support groups and facilitate them when appropriate.
Organize outings and activities that build daily-living skills and increase meaningful activity.
Work with tenants and staff to identify needs for additional services, groups, and activities, and collaborate with providers and community resources to establish them.
Provide culturally relevant individual counseling, information, and referral services as needed.
Facilitate community meetings.
Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.