Stabilization Specialist

About DESC

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well‑being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness.

We are seeking a Housing Specialist to support Permanent Supportive Housing tenants with high medical, persistent mental illness, and substance use disorder needs. This innovative, client‑centered role will create and implement housing stability plans, assist residents with goal achievement, and promote housing retention through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team providing ongoing services to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
• Advocate for consumers’ access to community resources and services, ensuring consumers’ needs are met and rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with residents and their treatment team to complete the Housing Stability Plan and help clients achieve short‑ and long‑term goals.
• Assist with unit inspection preparation and related housing documentation.
• Regularly review and modify each client’s Housing Stability Plan to address housing retention barriers.
• Provide transitional care for residents discharged from inpatient settings.
• Assist others in communicating with landlords and housing staff.
• Leverage activities to foster long‑term housing success and improve independent living skills.
• Document all client interactions and submit service reports in accordance with agency standards.

• Ability to obtain an Agency‑Affiliated Counselor (AAC) license in Washington State soon after hire.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to work with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science field, or
• Combination of 1 year of relevant paid work experience and demonstrated ability to perform required job duties.
• Internal applicants can substitute 6 months of experience for 1 year.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Employee will sit for long periods, communicate by talking and hearing, lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, and operate computer hardware. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.

• Dental, Life, Long‑term Disability, Medical (no employee premiums or payroll deductions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy.
• Paid Time Off (34 days per year).
• Retirement Plan.

Job Type: Full‑time

Shift: Day (8:30 am – 5:00 pm)
Salary: $37.78 – $41.72 per hour
Union Representation: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW

DESC 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, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or disability. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.