COD Counselor

Overview

On-site: COD Counselor (Case Manager III) | Full-time | Hiring Bonus: $1,000

For over a century, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) has provided services for youth, immigrants, older adults, and people experiencing homelessness throughout western Washington state. Our employees and volunteers come from many faith traditions to serve and support poor and vulnerable people through the delivery of quality, integrated services and housing. Our focus is on those individuals, children, families, and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism. We actively join with others to work for justice. If this is your passion, we would like you to join us. If you are looking for meaningful work, make a tangible difference, and drive positive change, find out more at:

Catholic Community Services’ Counseling, Recovery & Wellness (CReW) Program is a licensed community mental health and substance use disorder treatment program and provider of the King County Integrated Care Network (KC-ICN). Our collaborative team focuses on serving adults with mental illness and/or substance use disorders to help improve individuals’ quality of life. Range of services includes diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, peer support, case management, group counseling, skills training, care coordination, medication management, and psychoeducation. Services offered emphasize building collaborative relationships with the persons served as the first step towards lasting engagement in treatment. Our team was created out of the need for onsite supportive services in our agency housing and shelter programs, and we adapt our services to best fit the unique needs of our clients in a variety of locations throughout King County. CReW is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from all walks of life are strongly encouraged to apply.

How YOU can make a difference

The COD Counselor works independently and as part of a team to provide outreach, engagement and ongoing case management services to adults with both mental health and substance use disorders, including those that are homeless and have comorbid physical health conditions. Work occurs in a variety of settings, including housing sites, shelters, the streets and other community locations.

What we Offer

As a full-time position (40 hrs/week), employees are eligible for medical, dental & vision insurance coverage, pension and 403(b) plans. CCS also offers optional enrollment in supplemental cancer insurance, hospitalization and critical illness insurance. Employees accrue generous amounts of sick time and paid vacation, in addition to 13 paid holidays annually. Licensure supervision is available (LICSW, LMHC, LMFT) for applicable employees, as well as oversight, if needed, for first 50 clinical hours required for a SUDPT credential. Hybrid remote work schedules may be possible depending upon primary locations, caseload served, and team schedules.

Responsibilities

Outreach and Engagement

• Outreach and engage individuals living in homelessness at CCS shelter and housing programs, accomplished by a routine presence in the milieu with clients and coordination with shelter staff.
• Provide crisis de-escalation and risk assessment for clients as needed. Advocate with Emergency Responders, King County Designated Crisis Responders, Detox and Drug and Alcohol Involuntary Treatment Services when more intensive services are needed.
• Provide crisis de-escalation and risk assessments for residents as needed. Advocate with Seattle Police Department, County Designated Mental Health Professionals and Involuntary Treatment Services when more intensive services are needed.
• Provide consultation and support to staff and clients in developing Trauma-Informed and Harm Reduction interventions that reduce risks of clients’ harm to self or others when experiencing an increase in behavioral health symptoms.

Clinical Assessment and Intervention

• As needed, complete trauma informed biopsychosocial assessments for individuals enrolling in CReW Substance Use services to determine client strengths and needs to create a diagnostic picture.
• Assist CReW intake specialist with completing MH and COD assessments with clients seeking ongoing care
• Provide and/or facilitate a range of therapeutic responses and interventions, including case management, psychotherapy, trauma processing and/or skills training, intended to support the overall recovery of the individual.
• Plan interventions collaboratively with treatment teams, focusing on a non-judgmental and strengths-based approach.
• Identify the needs, barriers, and strengths of residents to develop bi-annual treatment plans and document interactions in routine case notes that reflect progress in relation to the treatment plan.
• Participate in psychiatric consultation, staffing, and supervision.
• Facilitate support groups that focus on a range of topics, some of which include activities of daily living skills, housing transitions, social skills, grief and loss support, concepts of recovery, education and health resources, or others.

Case Management

• Assess client needs and required level of services, identify community resources to meet those needs, facilitate clients’ access to services, and advocate for them on a continuing basis. Such needs may include accessing housing, financial and health benefits, primary health care, mental health treatment, substance use counseling, chore service, protective payees, transportation, food access, and legal services.
• Assist clients with locating resources and services for affordable housing, as well as offer assistance with the move-in and transition process via skills training and advocacy with landlords to promote long-term stability.
• Provide and/or arrange necessary crisis response and stabilization services. Respond to crises in a prompt, effective and collaborative manner.
• Seek clinical consultation as needed to ensure quality of care for clients; participate in clinical review and case conferences for clients on caseload.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with current internal and external programs providing services for people who are homeless or who have mental health or substance use disorders.
• Collaborate closely with staff in other agencies or programs such as housing, clinical, medical care to help coordinate care and ensure housing, medical, financial or emotional stability.
• Represent the CReW program in a variety of settings to build awareness and develop community partners in coordinating new client referrals.
• Comply with the agency’s clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain current and complete clinical records; participate in quality assurance review when assigned.
• Responsible for upholding a culture of privacy and security in highly confidential work environment (HIPAA covered entity service area).
• Comply with all CCSWW policies and procedures that involve access to and safeguarding of client Protected Health Information (all forms).

Job Conditions

COVID Statement: Due to the nature to engage individuals who are living in homelessness, some field based and site based work is required. CCS provides various levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to staff and to clients. CCS requires that all staff and clients follow safety protocols around masking, distancing and sanitation as directed by local and state governments as well as recommended Public Health guidance.

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, paint and other materials used in building maintenance. Working conditions may include interruptions, interactions with angry persons, and exposure to computers.

What we are looking for

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or relevant social science.
• Substance Use Disorder Professional or Trainee Certification (formerly, CDP/T) credential from WA Department of Health, or ability to obtain credential within 60 days from hire
• One-year direct services experience with vulnerable populations including people in homelessness, with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills with ability to maintain up to date and meticulous records.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, allowing for flexibility in role development and working as part of a multidisciplinary program.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Complies with all CCSWW policies and procedures that involve access to and safeguarding of client Protected Health Information (all forms).
• Demonstrate the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
• Criminal history background checks are required prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• If SUDPT, first 50 hours of supervised face to face clinical experience completed.

Benefits & Compensation

This is a Full-time, non-exempt 40 hrs./week position starting at $32.76 (+D.O. E) with a competitive benefits package:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick time, 15 days of paid vacations
• 12 days of paid holidays, plus one (1) personal holiday
• CCS/AHA 403(b) Employee Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Note to Internal Candidates: HR reviews internal compensation and determines any increase based on their experience and also agency internal equity factors. Please let us know if you need special accommodations to apply or interview for this position.

Catholic Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit to learn more.