Milieu Counselor - Swing Shift

Job Definition

The Milieu Counselor is a key member of the on-site team, responsible for cultivating a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment for residents, internal/external stakeholders, and emergency responders. This role is centered on proactive resident engagement, building a sense of community, and providing direct support in shared and private living spaces. The Milieu Counselor promotes resident well-being by fostering a supportive community and helping individuals develop the skills necessary for long-term housing stability.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in shift briefs and read logs before the start of each shift daily
• Provide front desk coverage when needed
• Distribute client medication and serve food on shift
• Assertively engage residents in the general milieu and common areas
• Create a healthy and welcoming environment for residents, including maintaining cleanliness of grounds and common areas, conducting perimeter walk-throughs, and enforcing good neighbor policy
• Maintain safety and security by monitoring all general access areas and enforcing project rules
• As part of an interdisciplinary team, assist residents in maintaining their housing and a healthy living environment through proactive engagement and hands-on in-unit support
• Assist building/care team staff with engaging residents through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence
• Assist in the initiation, facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, therapeutic support groups, outings and community meetings
• Document in housing service notes and UECL in Chasers
• Participate in consumer feedback activities and meetings to ensure the client voice is integrated into program operations
• Proactively intervene in crises using de-escalation skills, respond to emergencies, and initiate action as required
• Write significant events involving residents and building operations activities in a daily log; read log daily
• Assist with unit turnovers, new resident leasing and orientation; rent collection and facilities inspections
• Respond to resident complaints in a manner consistent with DESC values
• Work cooperatively with staff, visiting providers and/or emergency responders when on site; escort them through the building
• Initiate maintenance repairs by submitting work orders when noticed
• Assist with new tenant move-ins
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Respond to in-unit emergencies, water shut off, remediation, and cleanup after significant events
• Assist with maintaining a hygienic living environment, including in-unit prep for pest inspections and trash room clean up
• Assist with grounds and common area upkeep, ensuring cleanliness and safety of hallways, laundry rooms, lobbies, and outdoor areas
• Assist with other property management functions as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any other superseding credential
• Basic understanding of homelessness and various characteristics of homeless adult population
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behaviors
• Subscription to philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients

Preferred Qualifications

• BA degree in social or behavioral science
• Residential property management experience
• Experience with the challenges of mental illness and substance use
• Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency related business, which requires a current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record