Milieu Counselor - Day Shift, Birch Grove

DESC • Seattle, WA

just now • Onsite

About The Position

DESC is a nationally recognized social services organization, supportive housing operator, and licensed behavioral health treatment provider dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals experiencing long-term homelessness and living with complex behavioral health and medical conditions. Serving approximately 3,000 people, DESC's vision is to provide compassion, dignity, and safe, stable, and affordable housing. The organization operates five shelters, 19 permanent supportive housing facilities (over 1,750 units), scattered site apartments, and various behavioral health services including outpatient treatment, residential crisis stabilization, street outreach, mobile crisis response, and opioid use disorder treatment. Birch Grove, DESC's 20th permanent supportive housing site, will offer 120 units of affordable housing in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood. This vital project will provide stable, supportive housing and 24/7 on-site services for single adults living with disabilities and experiencing chronic homelessness, featuring welcoming indoor and outdoor common spaces. The Milieu Counselor is a crucial member of the on-site team, tasked with creating a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment for residents, stakeholders, and emergency responders. This role focuses on proactive resident engagement, community building, and direct support in living spaces, promoting resident well-being and fostering skills for long-term housing stability.

Requirements

• Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any other superseding credential.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• BA degree in social or behavioral science.
• Residential property management experience.
• Experience with the challenges of mental illness and substance use.
• Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency related business, which requires a current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Participate in shift briefs and read logs before the start of each shift daily
• Provide front desk coverage when needed
• Distribute client medication and serve food on shift
• Assertively engage residents in the general milieu and common areas
• Create a healthy and welcoming environment for residents which includes maintaining the general cleanliness of grounds and common areas. This includes conducting regular perimeter walk-throughs, enforcing good neighbor policy by ensuring individuals are not loitering outside of the building and on the property premises.
• Maintain safety and security by monitoring all general access areas and enforcing project rules
• As part of an interdisciplinary team, assist residents in maintaining their housing and a healthy living environment, through proactive engagement and hands on in unit support as needed
• Assist building/care team staff with engaging residents through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence for tenants who are resistant to engaging with project/program staff.
• Assist building/care team staff in the initiation, facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, therapeutic support groups, outings and community meetings.
• Documenting in housing service notes and UECL in Chasers
• Participate in consumer feedback activities and meetings to ensure the client voice is integrated into program operations.
• Proactively intervene in crises using de-escalation skills, respond to emergencies, and initiate action as required, including contact and collaborating with emergency response systems
• Write significant events involving residents and building operations activities in a daily log; read log daily
• Assist with unit turnovers, new resident leasing and orientation; rent collection and facilities inspections
• Respond to resident complaints in a manner consistent with DESC values
• Work cooperatively with staff at the project and with visiting providers and/or emergency responders when on site.
• Escort emergency responders and/or outside vendors/providers through the building when on site. This includes but is not limited to capturing and logging pertinent data pertaining to fire alarms or any work related to visits from Emergency Responders during or at the end of each shift.
• Initiate maintenance repairs by submitting work orders when noticed
• Assist with new tenant moves ins
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Responding to in unit emergencies, water shut off, remediation, and cleanup after significant events
• Assist with maintaining a hygienic living environment including but limited to participating with in unit prep for pest inspections, and trash room clean up while on shift
• Assist with grounds & common area upkeep. Ensuring cleanliness and safety of hallways, laundry rooms, lobbies, and outdoor areas
• Assist with other property management functions as assigned by the site Project Manager or designated leadership team member

Benefits

• Dental
• Life
• Long-term Disability
• Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• ORCA card subsidy
• Paid Time Off (34 days per year)
• Retirement Plan
• Union Representation: This position is a part of a union and is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed