Community Services Counselor-Housing & Essential Needs
Apply NowCompany: Snohomish County, WA
Location: Everett, WA 98208
Description:
Salary : $74,713.92 - $90,791.64 Annually
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02352
Department: Human Services
Division: Human Services Housing & Community Services
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Join our Human Services Team!
Description:
The Office of Housing and Community Services is hiring one full-time Community Services Counselor position to administer Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Rental Assistance. This employee will work in a supportive team environment to help Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) HEN program recipients who are experiencing homelessness to access rental support.
About You:
An ideal candidate for this position:
- Has experience working with low-income or homeless populations;
- Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, landlords, social service program staff, county staff, and the public;
- Has experience assisting clients with disabling conditions to access services;
- Can demonstrate a commitment to equitable systems and processes.
This is a hybrid position with a mix of work on-site, at community locations, and telework.
About Human Services:
Human Service Department mission is to help all person meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.
The Human Services Department includes 300 diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County.
Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.
BASIC FUNCTION
To provide responsible service delivery to: homeless clients and/or those at risk of becoming homeless or other low-income persons.
Job Duties
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Interviews clients, reviews records and consults other professional sources in order to identify problems, assess client needs, gather information regarding eligibility for various programs and become acquainted with the clients. Assists clients in accessing needed services and/or programs available through community agencies; makes referrals as appropriate; monitors and measure' client progress. Provides guidance and emotional support to assist clients in understanding and overcoming barriers to housing; assists clients in resolving housing problems and crisis situations. Maintains contacts with area social and health service agencies to keep informed of services available and develop new resources; keeps informed about new developments and techniques in counseling, guidance, and housing. Maintains detailed case records; prepares required reports, forms, documents and grant requests; operates personal computer to record data, write reports, and prepare other written materials Responds to telephone and written requests for information from potential clients, government agencies, other county departments, human service providers, and the general public
.STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES
May serve as liaison between the County and program subcontractors, other affected agencies, and various community groups as required; coordinates program activities with other Human Services divisions and programs and with other agencies and groups as necessary. May manage computerized service data and reporting systems using databases and spreadsheets to generate reports and tracking program information as necessary. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance or closely related field; PLUS, one (1) year of experience working with and supporting direct services with homeless clients and those at risk of becoming homeless; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
A valid Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision, will be required prior to appointment.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
SUPERVISION
The employee reports to an administrative superior as assigned. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed for quality, adequacy of professional judgment, and compliance with established goals and policies through conferences, case record narratives, reports and appraisal of results obtained.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in the usual office environment and in a variety of community settings.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.
County Benefits
01
Following are a series of supplemental questions to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general on-line application. The employment history and education detailed in your general on-line application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next step of the review selection process. A resume must be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general on- line application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered. Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general on-line application/work history and by your references?
02
Do you possess or can you obtain prior to employment a valid Washington State driver's license, unrestricted except as to vision?
03
What level of college education have you completed in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field?
04
What area of study was your degree, college coursework or certification in? If no degree or certifications, enter N/A.
05
How many years of experience do you have working with and supporting direct services with homeless clients and those at risk of becoming homeless; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities?
06
How many years of experience do you have completing client intakes, gathering and reviewing necessary documentation, and determining eligibility for assistance?
07
How many years of experience do you have assisting clients with housing search activities and issuing housing vouchers for rent?
08
How many years of experience do you have working with and negotiating with landlords to place clients in rental housing and to assist clients in maintaining their housing?
09
How many years of experience do you have working with persons who are experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness, and who may be living with disabling conditions?
10
Do you have experience with the Department of Social and Health Services Benefits Verification System?
11
Do you have experience with any of the following. Select all that apply.
12
Do you have experience doing any of the following? Select all that apply.
13
In Microsoft WORD, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
14
In Microsoft EXCEL, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
15
In Microsoft ACCESS, or other databases, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
16
Please describe your experience working with families or individuals with a disability (physical, behavioral health, etc.) who are experiencing homelessness. A full response will include the length of experience, where you obtained the experience and your role.
17
Please describe your knowledge of the Coordinated Entry system, the Housing and Essential Needs program, and housing resources in Snohomish County.
Required Question
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02352
Department: Human Services
Division: Human Services Housing & Community Services
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Join our Human Services Team!
Description:
The Office of Housing and Community Services is hiring one full-time Community Services Counselor position to administer Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Rental Assistance. This employee will work in a supportive team environment to help Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) HEN program recipients who are experiencing homelessness to access rental support.
About You:
An ideal candidate for this position:
- Has experience working with low-income or homeless populations;
- Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, landlords, social service program staff, county staff, and the public;
- Has experience assisting clients with disabling conditions to access services;
- Can demonstrate a commitment to equitable systems and processes.
This is a hybrid position with a mix of work on-site, at community locations, and telework.
About Human Services:
Human Service Department mission is to help all person meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.
The Human Services Department includes 300 diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County.
Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.
BASIC FUNCTION
To provide responsible service delivery to: homeless clients and/or those at risk of becoming homeless or other low-income persons.
Job Duties
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
.STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance or closely related field; PLUS, one (1) year of experience working with and supporting direct services with homeless clients and those at risk of becoming homeless; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
A valid Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision, will be required prior to appointment.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- housing homelessness and low income issues and resources
- functions and resources of social and health service agencies
Ability to:
- effectively interview clients, prepare action plans, determine courses of action and evaluate individual progress
- establish and maintain rapport with clients, guide them toward positive goals and communicate with them in both supportive and confront modes
- communicate effectively with people regardless of age, sex or social, economic, or cultural background including persons with social or behavioral issues
- respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations
- express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
- establish and maintain effective work relationships with social service system officials, community organizations and agency staff, associates, other county employees, and the public
- follow oral and written instructions
- maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports
- exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority
- read, interpret, and apply work related laws, rules, and other regulations
- operate a personal computer for data entry, word processing, and to develop job related materials
SUPERVISION
The employee reports to an administrative superior as assigned. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed for quality, adequacy of professional judgment, and compliance with established goals and policies through conferences, case record narratives, reports and appraisal of results obtained.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in the usual office environment and in a variety of community settings.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.
County Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Retirement
- Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Commuting Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
- Leave & Holidays
- Deferred Compensation 457(b)
- Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
- Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies
- Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
- Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.
01
Following are a series of supplemental questions to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general on-line application. The employment history and education detailed in your general on-line application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next step of the review selection process. A resume must be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general on- line application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered. Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general on-line application/work history and by your references?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess or can you obtain prior to employment a valid Washington State driver's license, unrestricted except as to vision?
- Yes
- No
03
What level of college education have you completed in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field?
- No Degree
- No Degree, but some college or certification
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree of Higher Education
04
What area of study was your degree, college coursework or certification in? If no degree or certifications, enter N/A.
05
How many years of experience do you have working with and supporting direct services with homeless clients and those at risk of becoming homeless; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities?
- No experience to less than one year of experience
- One year to less than two years of experience
- Two years to less than three years of experience
- Three years to less than four years of experience
- Four years to less than five years of experience
- Five years or more experience
06
How many years of experience do you have completing client intakes, gathering and reviewing necessary documentation, and determining eligibility for assistance?
- No experience
- Less than one year of experience
- One year to less than two years of experience
- Two years or more of experience
07
How many years of experience do you have assisting clients with housing search activities and issuing housing vouchers for rent?
- No experience
- Less than one year of experience
- One year to less than two years of experience
- Two years or more experience
08
How many years of experience do you have working with and negotiating with landlords to place clients in rental housing and to assist clients in maintaining their housing?
- No experience
- Some experience, but less than two years' experience
- Two years or more experience
09
How many years of experience do you have working with persons who are experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness, and who may be living with disabling conditions?
- No experience
- Less than one year of experience
- One year to less than two years of experience
- Two years or more of experience
10
Do you have experience with the Department of Social and Health Services Benefits Verification System?
- Yes
- No
11
Do you have experience with any of the following. Select all that apply.
- Human services programs and governmental agencies, programs and resources
- Homeless programs
- Homeless research and best practices
- Low-income and very low-income needs
- Affordable housing
- Rental housing
- Landlord/Tenant law
- None of the above
12
Do you have experience doing any of the following? Select all that apply.
- Planning, organizing, and coordinating work with co-workers
- Working with non-profit or other community agencies
- Working with government agencies
- Working with the general public
- Preparing reports, business correspondence, and various professional written documentation and conducting accurate recordkeeping
- None of the above
13
In Microsoft WORD, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
- Properly format a formal business letter
- Adjust margins
- Create headers and footers
- Create and format a table
- None of the above
14
In Microsoft EXCEL, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
- Design a spreadsheet to track a running balance of costs using formulas
- Format a spreadsheet to present data in a usable way
- Create and track program budgets
- None of the above
15
In Microsoft ACCESS, or other databases, do you know how to do the following? Select all that apply.
- Enter data
- Utilize other skills (reports, queries)
- None of the above
16
Please describe your experience working with families or individuals with a disability (physical, behavioral health, etc.) who are experiencing homelessness. A full response will include the length of experience, where you obtained the experience and your role.
17
Please describe your knowledge of the Coordinated Entry system, the Housing and Essential Needs program, and housing resources in Snohomish County.
Required Question