Psychotherapist - Sage, 515 Offices

Days Off: Saturday, Sunday

Shift: Office Day

Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan

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.

As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 2,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness.

JOB DEFINITION:

The SAGE Psychotherapist is a member of multi-disciplinary team serving adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The position’s primary role is to provide short-term individual and group therapy to enrolled clients. Many of our consumers are homeless or formerly homeless, many have co-occurring disorders, one half are minority group members, and most are male. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish speaking is a plus.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide brief (e.g. 6 month) individual counseling to enrolled clients. Cognitive behavioral therapy will be the primary approach used, within the context of a recovery model, including client strengths and expectations of progress toward client recovery.
• Facilitate group counseling with enrolled clients, in collaboration with other agency staff. Treatment group topics can vary but may be identified by SAGE leadership with input from staff and other programs within DESC to compliment and support the services offered here.
• Develop measurable individualized therapy goals and objectives.
• Document services provided in a timely manner.
• Work in a highly collaboratively manner with other care team members including case managers and other service providers, within and outside of DESC. Assist in the development of individualized service plans.
• Provide outreach and engagement services to assigned clients, to initially engage clients and maintain working relationships.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and monthly Less Restrictive Alternative reviews as needed
• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment; tolerate unusual or unpleasant behavior.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings and in-service trainings; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for consumers on caseload.
• Comply with the agency's clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain current and complete clinical and administrative records; participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned.
• Comply with applicable program research and evaluation procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

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 the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or other behavioral science.
• Current Washington Department of Health minimum credential as an Agency Affiliated Counselor in good standing.
• Meet criteria as a Mental Health Professional as defined in current RCW & WAC.
• Master's degree in a social work, psychology counseling or a closely related field, including coursework in providing mental health counseling/psychotherapy.
• Understand the tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy and possess competency in delivering psychotherapy services.
• Interest or experience in working with consumers 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.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and insurable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 years experience working with homeless or formerly homeless adults challenged by severe mental illness and/or Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
• Prior 1:1 and/or group counseling experience.
• Washington State Licensure in social work, counseling or equivalent.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Bicultural background/experience and/or Qualified Minority Mental Health Specialist designation.