Entry Level Forensic Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Disorder Professional SUDP/T – Forensic Programs

Hiring Range SUDPT: $20.07-$24.58 per hour

Hiring Range SUDP: $26.89-$33.61 per hour

Certified SUDP Candidates: $3,000 Sign-On Bonus*

Benefits at a Glance 

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision 
• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance 
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Pet Insurance 
• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth) 
• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment 

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring a Substance Use Disorder Professional or Trainee to join our dynamic Forensic Programs team, supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. As part of Washington State’s response to the Trueblood settlement, KMHS Forensic Programs—including FPATH (Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness), FHARPS (Forensic Housing and Recovery through Peer Services), and OCRP (Outpatient Competency Restoration Program)—deliver community-based, recovery-oriented services. The SUDP will work within a multidisciplinary team to provide substance use assessments, individual and group therapy, referrals, and evidence-based interventions for class members engaged in these programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services for individuals experiencing substance use, including assessments, individual and family therapy, group therapy, and psycho-educational workshops.
• Utilize evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and stage-wise interventions to support engagement and recovery.
• Serve as a clinical consultant and subject matter expert in co-occurring disorders and SUD treatment within Forensic Programs.
• Refer clients to inpatient, outpatient, MAT prescribers, and other appropriate SUD treatment options.
• Collaborate with internal and external providers, including housing teams, legal partners, jail-based teams, and other systems of care.
• Deliver low-barrier services in flexible settings including housing sites, jails, hospitals, and the community.
• Participate in outreach and in-reach efforts to re-engage clients at risk of service loss or recidivism.
• Demonstrate knowledge of co-occurring disorder treatment, including familiarity with psychotropic medications and substance use interactions.
• Conduct crisis intervention services when clinically indicated.
• Monitor individuals for compliance with court-ordered treatment mandates and submit documentation as required.
• Administer urinalysis screenings as clinically appropriate.
• Develop and update treatment plans focused on integrated, client-centered goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation per WAC, agency, and contractual requirements.
• Promote teamwork and a positive work environment to support the recovery process.

SUDP Trainee Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Entry level (no prior related work experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Current certification as Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUPDT) in Washington State.

Certified SUDP Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Associate’s Degree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field

EXPERIENCE: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Current licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Professional.

Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration.

Preferred Qualifications:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, social services, or behavioral health field.

EXPERIENCE: Experience working with clients with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

Performance Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Maintain a working knowledge and skill in verbal de-escalation skills as outlined in MPAC/CPI trainings and other agency-mandated trainings
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of psychotropic medications and their side effects and contraindications with drugs of abuse and report any relevant observations to care team medical personnel.
3. Maintain working knowledge of current Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health treatment recommendations, Co-occurring disorders, Medication assisted treatment and other trends in community mental health, including health care reform, electronic medical record, and computer technology.

SKILLS:

1. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
2. Communication ‑ Communicates clearly and concisely.
3. Demonstrate ability to work efficiently and effectively, organizing workload by prioritizing and managing multiple tasks.  Maintain, or exceed, productivity standards as established by policy and evaluated by unit manager.

ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners such as CRT, housing team, treatment teams, AIU, Residential, KMHS Medical Providers, Probation, KRC, other community based treatment providers, Law enforcement, and Medical Community to assist those who we serve in their recovery process.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.

Work Environment: Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods.

Mental/Physical Requirements:  While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, ascend and descend stairs, talk or listen and lift up to 50 pounds. Peripheral vision is also required for this position.

*A sign-on bonus is a form of compensation for a new employee in addition to their established salary. Bonus amounts are prorated by FTE, and any changes to FTE before all bonus installments are paid may alter the total payout.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.