Job Definition
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Chemical Dependency Counselor provides services
to DESC clients who are identified as impacted by alcohol or other drug use. This position
works cooperatively with agency staff and community resources to provide a range of
services to clients with drug and alcohol problems.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Perform alcohol and drug assessments, and intake evaluations on selected clients; with
the client’s participation, develop support and treatment plans; facilitate linkages to
collaborative resources when appropriate.
· Plan, organize and facilitate treatment and support groups for clients, as appropriate.
· Provide substance abuse consultation to Mental Health Program and Housing Program
staff.
· Provide staff training on substance abuse issues as appropriate.
· Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team providing ongoing advocacy and
integration of services to mentally ill, homeless and formerly homeless adults.
· Advocate for client access to community resources and services, ensuring that client
needs are met and rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers to
ensure continuity of care.
· Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings and in-service
trainings; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for clients on caseload.
· Comply with the agency's clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain current
and complete clinical records; participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned.
· Comply with data gathering/submission requirements of DESC and reimbursement
agencies.
· Comply with applicable program research and evaluation procedures.
· Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
· Must be Registered Counselor with the Department of Health.
· Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in
traditional mental health programs.
· Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
· Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of
consideration and respect for consumers.
· Bicultural and/or bilingual background/experience preferred.
· Experience with homeless and CMI population preferred.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Submit a Cover Letter and Resume to: DESC-CD ATTN: Human Resources, 515 3rd Avenue,
Seattle, WA 98104, or email in Word document to hr@desc.org, or fax to – (206) 515-1501
The Downtown Emergency Service Center is committed to diversity in the workplace, and promotes
equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not
discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color,
sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or
physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational
qualification. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.