Substance Use Disorder Counselor to Serve Unhoused Patients

Compensation:

• Non-exempt/Hourly
• New hires are placed on our starting wage scale of $29.66-$35.29 per hour
• Based on performance, there is room to grow on our full wage scale of $29.66-$40.91 per hour

Work Schedule:

• Full-time Monday-Friday

Who We Are

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing almost 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

What We Value

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We have an inclusive culture and strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a diverse workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

Job Summary

Make a difference by serving our unhoused neighbors as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at The Way Station in downtown Bellingham, WA! 

Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to become ill, have greater hospitalization rates, and die at a younger age than the general population. The Way Station will provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a range of health and social services to assist in improving their health outcomes and aiding their transition to sustainable housing. This new, unique facility will serve people in need of showers, laundry, medical and behavioral health care, case management, and other services provided by partner organizations including respite care.  

As the sole Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor at The Way Station, you would provide diagnosis & treatment to unhoused individuals with a significant co-occurring mental health component in some nonclinical settings (including in the community hygiene center) while working alongside a Family Nurse Practitioner, Medical Assistant, BH Consultant & Case Manager. While The Way Station will not serve as a primary care home, it will provide a bridge and assist with connecting clients to one. We are looking for someone to provide these SUD services in an empathy-forward, trauma-informed manner that acknowledges the barriers and inequities experienced by our unhoused patients. 

This is a full-time position, but hours may initially be split between The Way Station and our Bellingham Behavioral Health clinic with the plan to increase hours at The Way Station based on patient needs. 

What We Offer

• A friendly team-based environment
• A competitive compensation package
• No call schedule
• In-house case management

Generous Benefits

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1 gradually increasing to 196 hours per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement 
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, Will preparation services & a gym discount
• Continuing Education hours & dollars
• Reimbursement of renewal fees for WA State license 

• Washington State Department of Health Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) certification.
• Associate degree in human services or related field, or successful completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in courses from an approved school – see WAC 246-811-010(9). At least 45 quarter or 30 semester credits must be in courses relating to the substance use disorder profession and must include the topics listed in WAC 246-811-030.
• A full understanding of all aspects of the profession
• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook as well as the ability to learn other systems used at UCNW for Electronic Medical Records, scheduling, HR/payroll, training, instant messaging, attending virtual meetings and performing telehealth visits

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate bilingually in Spanish or Russian
• Experience on a PACT team (Program for Assertive Community Treatment)

Candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

• Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)
• Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)
• Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)
• Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants)