Clinical Support Specialist

DESC•Burien, WA

20d•$39 - $43

About The Position

The Clinical Support Specialist works under the direction of the CSS Supervisor or Project Manager and collaboratively as part of an integrated care team, including other CSSs, Housing Stabilization Specialists, Residential Counselors, clinical case managers, and outside provider agencies. The role provides case management and mental health services to tenants and coordinates care with other providers as appropriate. The position supports tenants experiencing homelessness and complex behavioral health and medical conditions by helping them engage with services, establish and pursue goals, maintain housing, and access appropriate care. The specialist documents services and meets project-specific contractual and documentation obligations. The role is scheduled for a day shift, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off.

Requirements

Ability to perform all major and assigned duties and responsibilities, with or without accommodations.
Current Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) license or equivalent, 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 individuals 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 required duties.
Internal applicants in direct, client-facing positions may substitute six months of experience for the one-year experience requirement.
Ability to sit, communicate with other employees, lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds, and operate computer hardware systems.
Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

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