Residential Counselor

About the role

DESC is a nationally recognized innovator and leader in developing solutions to homelessness. It operates shelter/emergency housing programs, permanent supportive housing facilities, scattered site apartments, and a range of behavioral health services. The Residential Counselor will manage day‑to‑day operations at Permanent Supportive Housing Projects, assisting residents—many of whom face severe mental illness and substance use disorders—with their daily needs.

Responsibilities

• Interact with residents in common areas and the general milieu.
• Assist clinical staff in coordinating services, contacting outside providers, and engaging residents through creative strategies.
• Help initiate, facilitate, and promote on‑site activities, therapeutic support groups, outings, and community meetings.
• Manage building operations in the absence of other project and clinical staff, including lobby duties, visitor check‑in/out, telephone handling, and security system monitoring.
• Maintain safety and security by monitoring access areas and enforcing project rules.
• Intervene in crises, respond to emergencies, and contact emergency response systems as needed.
• Document significant events and building activities in a daily log and review the log each day.
• Assist with room turnovers, new resident leasing and orientation, rent collection, and facilities inspections.
• Respond to resident complaints and refer residents to clinical or other staff as appropriate.
• Initiate appropriate responses to maintenance requests.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist with other property‑management functions and duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications

• Basic understanding of homelessness and the characteristics of the homeless adult population.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of challenging 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 driving record, and ability to drive an agency van to transport tenants.

Physical demands

The position requires the ability to sit, communicate with others, lift and carry items up to 40 lb, and operate computer hardware. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Schedule

• Shift: Swing (3:30 pm – 12:00 am)
• Days off: Tuesday, Wednesday
• Shift differential: $0.50 per hour

Pay

Salary: $32.72 – $36.12 per hour

Benefits

• Medical insurance (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability
• 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 part of a union and is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.