Job Description
This role plans and implements on-site group activities and outings for guests at the STAR Center, promoting emotional resilience and functioning among homeless adults with mental health and substance use disorders. It tackles practical and social needs through recreation therapy, helping guests build skills like stress management and positive relationships. The specialist facilitates groups, establishes partnerships, and evaluates programming to support healthier outcomes for the community.
Downtown Emergency Service Center provides services for homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental illness, serving almost 3,000 people daily. The organization focuses on comprehensive care in Seattle and is a leader in innovative solutions for vulnerable populations.
Activities include identifying and planning recreational therapies like support groups, art classes, and foodbank runs, collaborating with program leaders and a multidisciplinary team. The specialist develops partnerships for skilled services such as haircuts from barbers or visits from therapy animals, handles logistical tasks using monthly calendars and limited budgets to procure supplies, and encourages voluntary guest participation through motivational interviewing. Resources include community meeting spaces and evaluation metrics. Interactions with guests, staff, and partners. One challenge is mitigating barriers to participation while documenting interactions in accordance with standards.
No compensation specified. Work occurs during day shifts from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm with Saturday and Sunday off, flexible for events. Position part of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW union. Benefits include medical insurance with no premiums, dental, life, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, ORCA card subsidy, paid time off at 34 days annually, retirement plan, and more.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement on-site group activities and outings that address guests’ needs.
- Facilitate support groups and lead planned activities.
- Develop partnerships with guests and organizations for specialized services.
- Carry out logistical duties like scheduling, transportation, purchasing, and supplies.
- Organize community meetings and incorporate guest input.
- Encourage voluntary participation using motivational interviewing.
- Document guest participation and interactions.
- Identify and track metrics for program evaluation.
- Participate in verbal de-escalation as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreational Therapy / Leisure Studies or other related field.
- Two (2) or more years of relevant professional experience working directly with unsheltered adults facing significant untreated and undertreated challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders.
- Demonstrated experience with group facilitation or leading group activities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience working with adults experiencing chronic homelessness.
- Strong knowledge of Recovery Principles, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and other evidence-based practices.
- CTRpreferenceS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) registration or equivalent preferred.
- Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.