Counselor Aide

Location: Vashon, WA (Vashon Island)

Position Type: Temp-to-Hire / Full-Time

Shift: Days, Swing, or Graveyard Shifts available (Flexible schedule required, including weekends)

Pay Range: $21.9 - $25.76 Per hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Counselor Aide to join the Residential Behavioral Health team at the Thunderbird Treatment Center on Vashon Island. Operated by the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), this new residential treatment facility centers care on Traditional Indian Medicine and culturally grounded practices.

In this role, you will support our "relatives" (patients) through daily activities, milieu monitoring, safety oversight, and administrative tasks to ensure a supportive, safe, and respectful healing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Milieu & Safety Monitoring: Observe and monitor patient activities, sleeping areas, and overall building security to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. Intervene constructively during unsafe or disruptive behaviors.
• Patient Support & Engagement: Assist relatives with daily routines, scheduling, meals, recreational activities, walks, and educational or craft classes.
• Observation & Documentation: Log shift observations, document unusual occurrences, and complete quality assurance/data collection reporting in accordance with center policy.
• Medication & Medical Support: Observe and accurately document self-administration of medications under the guidance of nursing and medical staff.
• Admissions & Discharges: Assist intake staff with admissions (searching belongings for contraband, providing essential supplies) and support the discharge process by organizing necessary records and materials.
• Transportation & Logistics: Assist with transporting relatives to scheduled off-site appointments and meetings (if approved driver).
• General Operations: Answer phones, direct calls, conduct facility tours, and help keep patient common areas and staff storage offices clean and organized.

Key Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and comfortably move throughout the facility during shift.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness and availability to work varied shifts (Days, Swing, Graveyard) including weekends.
• Policy Compliance: Ability to comply with the Seattle Indian Health Board Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Driving: Valid driver’s license and clean driving record preferred (for patient transport duties).

Core Competencies & Culture

• Commitment to Indigenous Values: Honor and maintain cultural integrity, respecting Traditional Indian Medicine practices in all interactions.
• Customer Service Focus: Treat all relatives with dignity, empathy, transparency, and the highest standard of care.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Work cooperatively with multidisciplinary treatment teams, counselors, nurses, and leadership under pressure.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage options (including FSA options).
• Telehealth Services: 24/7 virtual care access for employees.
• Dedicated Support: Ongoing recruiter and administrative support throughout assignments.
• Weekly Pay: Reliable weekly direct deposit.
• Commuter Support: Transportation subsidy provided for ferry travel to Vashon Island.