SUD Counselor (SUDP or SUDPT)

About the role

DESC is a nationally recognized social‑services organization that provides supportive housing, behavioral‑health treatment, and a range of services to people experiencing long‑term homelessness and complex medical and behavioral‑health conditions. The Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) trains under a licensed Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUD) and works collaboratively with agency staff and community resources to serve clients with drug and alcohol problems, many of whom have co‑occurring mental illness.

Responsibilities

• Perform alcohol and drug assessments and intake evaluations; develop support and treatment plans with client participation.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate treatment and support groups for clients as appropriate.
• Provide substance‑abuse consultation to Mental Health and Housing Program staff.
• Deliver staff training on substance‑abuse issues.
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team, advocating and integrating services for mentally ill, homeless, and formerly homeless adults.
• Advocate for client access to community resources and services; collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings, in‑service trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
• Maintain current, complete clinical records and comply with agency clinical‑accountability policies, quality‑assurance reviews, and data‑submission requirements.
• Comply with program research and evaluation procedures.
• Support clients in achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions, including attending care conferences, outreach in residential units, coordinating with housing staff, cleaning out units, and documenting barriers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications:

• Licensed by the State of Washington as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) in good standing.
• For SUDPT: attested enrollment in an educational program meeting WA State Department of Health requirements; full licensure requires an associate degree.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license, insurable driving record, and ability to drive a personal or agency vehicle for work‑related business.
• Interest or experience working with clients who are difficult to engage in traditional mental‑health programs.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to the philosophy of cooperation, continuity across programs, and respect for clients.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bi‑cultural and/or bilingual background or experience.
• Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, and long‑term disability insurance (no employee premiums or payroll deductions for coverage).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• ORCA card subsidy.
• Paid Time Off – 34 days per year.
• Retirement plan.
• Union representation by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.