DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center)
Residential Counselor
DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center), Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Residential Counselor
Join DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) as a Residential Counselor. This full‑time position supports people with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders in our Permanent Supportive Housing Projects.
Job Type:
Full‑time
Days Off:
Sunday, Monday Shift:
Day Insurance Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Life, Long‑term Disability Other Benefits:
Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan Union Representation:
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
About DESC DESC is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people facing homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness. We provide comprehensive services, treatment, and housing to help individuals achieve health and well‑being.
Job Definition Residential Counselors manage day‑to‑day operations in our supportive housing and assist residents with daily needs, especially those related to mental illness and substance use. You will collaborate with clinical staff to provide therapeutic support and coordinate services.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Interact with residents in general areas.
Assist clinical staff in coordinating services and contacting outside providers.
Engage residents through strategies that build trust and confidence.
Initiate, facilitate, and promote on‑site activities, support groups, outings, and community meetings.
Manage building operations when other staff are absent.
Operate all lobby office functions: check‑in/out visitors, answer phones, monitor security.
Maintain safety and security by monitoring access areas and enforcing rules.
Respond to crises, emergencies, and emergency services as needed.
Document significant events and review daily logs.
Assist with room turnovers, new resident leasing, orientation, rent collection, and inspections.
Address resident complaints.
Work collaboratively with clinical, maintenance, and visiting providers; refer residents as necessary.
Respond to maintenance requests.
Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Assist with other property management functions as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Basic understanding of homelessness and the homeless adult population.
Strong communication and teamwork skills with diverse staff.
Ability to work with clients exhibiting a wide range of behaviors.
Commitment to cooperation, continuity across programs, and respect for clients.
Preferred Qualifications
BA degree in social or behavioral science.
Residential property management experience.
Experience with mental illness and substance use challenges.
Current Washington State driver’s license, insurable record, and ability to drive agency van.
Physical Demands Required to sit, communicate, lift up to 40 lbs, operate computer hardware, and meet vision requirements (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, focus).
Equal Opportunity Employer DESC is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or disability. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Salary $31.42 - $34.69 per hour
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Job Type:
Full‑time
Days Off:
Sunday, Monday Shift:
Day Insurance Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Life, Long‑term Disability Other Benefits:
Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan Union Representation:
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
About DESC DESC is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people facing homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness. We provide comprehensive services, treatment, and housing to help individuals achieve health and well‑being.
Job Definition Residential Counselors manage day‑to‑day operations in our supportive housing and assist residents with daily needs, especially those related to mental illness and substance use. You will collaborate with clinical staff to provide therapeutic support and coordinate services.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Interact with residents in general areas.
Assist clinical staff in coordinating services and contacting outside providers.
Engage residents through strategies that build trust and confidence.
Initiate, facilitate, and promote on‑site activities, support groups, outings, and community meetings.
Manage building operations when other staff are absent.
Operate all lobby office functions: check‑in/out visitors, answer phones, monitor security.
Maintain safety and security by monitoring access areas and enforcing rules.
Respond to crises, emergencies, and emergency services as needed.
Document significant events and review daily logs.
Assist with room turnovers, new resident leasing, orientation, rent collection, and inspections.
Address resident complaints.
Work collaboratively with clinical, maintenance, and visiting providers; refer residents as necessary.
Respond to maintenance requests.
Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Assist with other property management functions as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Basic understanding of homelessness and the homeless adult population.
Strong communication and teamwork skills with diverse staff.
Ability to work with clients exhibiting a wide range of behaviors.
Commitment to cooperation, continuity across programs, and respect for clients.
Preferred Qualifications
BA degree in social or behavioral science.
Residential property management experience.
Experience with mental illness and substance use challenges.
Current Washington State driver’s license, insurable record, and ability to drive agency van.
Physical Demands Required to sit, communicate, lift up to 40 lbs, operate computer hardware, and meet vision requirements (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, focus).
Equal Opportunity Employer DESC is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or disability. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Salary $31.42 - $34.69 per hour
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