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Maureen Greeley 
Executive Director 

Want to Make a Positive Impact?

Do You Enjoy Learning and Growing?

Join the ECPG Team!!

At the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG), we’re committed to creating programs and services that have a positive impact for individuals, families, and communities.  We also believe in building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your knowledge and experience. 

ECPG Benefits and Perks:

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion.  We strive to meet your needs so you can develop strong programs and services that meet the needs of others.   We offer competitive benefits with flexible work hours and family-friendly benefits to all our employees.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage and FSA Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Retirement Plans
• Professional Development Opportunities

Current Job Openings

Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist

The Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist develops and presents prevention,  public health, responsible gambling and gaming, and community engagement initiatives as part of ECPG programs and services.  The successful Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist candidate is a passionate, dynamic, and experienced advocate with solid public health, prevention, and training expertise. This position participates as a team member in all aspects of the Council's work. The Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist creates and provides information in an engaging and culturally sensitive manner to help groups and individuals better understand ECPG programs and services, the issues surrounding responsible and problem gambling and gaming, prevention, recovery, and opportunities for community involvement. For full Position Listing, Salary Range, and Qualifications, click here.

Responsible Gaming Program Account Coordinator

The Responsible Gaming Program Account Coordinator is proactive and passionate about responsible gaming programs and services and the clients they serve. They will support ECPG staff by helping identify specific client needs for customization on Responsible Gaming programs and services and identifying industry trends.  The Responsible Gaming Program Account Coordinator will be a key member of the Responsible Gaming Casino/Card Room Employee Training team for ECPG’s RG STAR (Responsible Gaming Support, Training, And Resources) programs. To succeed in this position, candidates should have exceptional communication, sales, and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate should be respectful of diverse needs and communication styles, adaptable, and organized with the ability to build rapport with partners.  For full Position Listing, Salary Range, and Qualifications, click here.

Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront  

April 29-May 2, 2024 – SAVE THE DATE!  

2024 Featured Sessions/Tracks Include:  

Opportunity for 25+ Continuing Education Hours  

For more information: visit: www.evergreencpg.org or call 360.352.6133 

Interested in presenting at the 2024 Focus on the Future Conference in Portland?  Call for  presentations is open – deadline for submissions is January 10, 2024.  Click here for Guest Speaker Proposal Submission form. 

Two Registration Options:  

Advanced Training in Behavioral Health

• 4 hours x 4 days = Earn up to 16 CE Credit Hours
• 100% online via ZOOM
• Sign up for as many training days as best fit your needs and schedule
• Topics include: 4hrs in Ethics (when working with Military Veterans with Dr. Heather Chapman); 4hrs in Gaming/Gambling and Sensory Perception Disorders and ADHD with Dr. Timothy Fong; and tentatively scheduled are Gender Affirming Healthcare, Cultural Sensitivity when Working with Diverse Communities; Spirituality in Recovery; and Relational Trauma Repair. (Schedule subject to changes.)

Gambling Counselor Core Training (GCCT)*

• 30 Total CE Hours includes:
  • 10 hours online self-directed (available now)
  • 20 hours live-learning webinar via ZOOM
    • 5 CE hours x 4 days
    • Jan. 29-Feb.1, 8:30am to 2:15pm PST (15min morning break + 30 min lunch break)
• View the agenda or read more about the GCCT here.

Who is the GCCT program for?

• Licensed clinicians seeking Gambling Counselor Certification *
• Anyone seeking a deep dive into understanding Gambling Disorder +

* For those seeking to become Washington State Certified Gambling Counselors (WSCGC-I/II), please familiarize yourself with the 2023 Certification requirements, including education and licensing requirements, to verify your eligibility and ability to complete the Certification program.  

* For those seeking to become International Certified Gambling Counselors (ICGC-I/II), please familiarize yourself with the IGCCB Certification requirements.

+ Only those who qualify are eligible to complete the Gambling Counselor Certification program(s), but the Gambling Counselor Core Training is open to ALL who wish to develop an in-depth understanding of gambling, problem gambling, Gambling Disorder, and treatment services.  Peers, prevention specialists, and gaming industry staff often attend. Join us and meet others!

Reviews from past attendees of the Gambling Counselor Core Training:

“The presentations were so excellent, I thought of taking the course twice!”

“The methods were well thought out.  We all learned so much.  I’m very grateful to have participated.”

“Getting to know the facilitators and the other participants!  There is so much value in sharing personal experiences.”

“This was one of the best trainings I’ve attended.”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

A limited number of Full Scholarships are available for Washington State gambling treatment providers, students, professors, prevention specialists, and peer/recovery coaches.  Scholarships include full registration fee, hotel stipend ($75 per night, up to three nights), and more.  Scholarships are available in part through funding by The Washington State Health Care Authority – Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery, Problem Gambling Program and the Recovery Café Network.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS/HOURS/PROBLEM GAMBLING COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION   

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education by The National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB).  Our trainings have also been approved for continuing education by the Mental Health and Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders (AAHCPAD); and the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board (CPGCB).

Foundations in Gaming Disorder (30 CEs)

Gaming Disorder Prevention and Treatment Training  

This Foundations in Gaming Disorder – Core training is a 30 CE-hour course, offered 100% online and self-directed.  It is designed to provide the critical knowledge needed to address at-risk gaming and gaming disorder from prevention through treatment and recovery. Prevention specialists will be better equipped to understand risk and protective factors and implement science-based prevention strategies.  Clinicians will be better equipped to screen, identify, and treat gaming disorder. All will understand the impacts on unique populations and critical connections of gaming disorder with other behavioral health and addictions issues.  

This opportunity is brought to you by two nationally respected public health non-profit organizations – the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health.   

Foundations in Gaming Disorder- Core training meets the educational requirements for the Gaming Health Specialist Certificate through the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health and the International Gaming Disorder Certificate through the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.  See full certification details for additional requirements and eligibility criteria.   

What you receive: 

Video and written lessons 

Interactive learning includes quiz and process questions, reviews of research literature, looking up latest trends and information in your area, and more. 

Digital workbook that includes all training slides and/or outlines, places for taking notes, resource links, help resources lists, screening tools, worksheets, and additional learning resources. 

Recommendations for corresponding YouTube videos, podcasts and more on related topics, for further optional study. 

Sign up to complete the Foundations in Gaming Disorder training.   

IGCCB Gambling Counselor Exam Prep eCourse (2 CEs) 

With so many motivated counselors across the nation preparing each year to take the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) Gambling Counselor exam, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) and our partners wanted to do more to help counselors feel prepared and confident when actually taking the exam. Certification is a challenging and worthwhile achievement. This course is designed to supplement your study and core trainings with practice exam questions, listings of study resource materials, and test-taking tips. The self-paced program allows you to study on your own schedule — from your PC, phone, or tablet. Once you are registered, you can return to the eCourse up to 120 days from enrollment.  

Sign up to complete the IGCCB Exam Prep eCourse 

Joint ECPG ASSOCIATE / NCPG MEMBERSHIP  

Not yet an ECPG Associate?  SIGN UP HERE 

Take advantage of our Joint ECPG Associate/NCPG Membership – join both and save!  

As an ECPG Associate, you’ll receive discounted rates on all our trainings and conferences – all of which offer Continuing Education Units from many associations and certification boards.  You do not have to be a WA State resident in order to be an ECPG Associate.   

Reducing Barriers to Access to Care – Exciting News for 2024!  

Medicaid Billing for Gambling Treatment Coming January 2024!  

Starting 1/1/24, WA State will begin offering gambling assessment & treatment coverage for Apple Health (Medicaid) enrollees. Because of the complexity of adding this new service, the availability will roll out over several months. Please consult the SERI guide for more info.  

The low-barrier State Problem Gambling Program will also be continuing, so if clients need problem gambling services during this interim time, please refer them to the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-547-6133), the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling’s interactive service directory, or the State Problem Gambling Program.  

Workforce Development & Enhanced Scholarships 

In addition to this new coverage under Apple Health, The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling and the State Program are now offering enhanced scholarships to clinicians to become Certified Gambling Counselors who work in regions of the state and/or within communities that are unserved or underserved. Both in-person, online, and hybrid Problem Gambling Core Trainings are scheduled for this coming year. For more information, please contact Tana Russell at trussell@evergreencpg.org.   

Problem gambling treatment reimbursement rates are increasing January 2024, and additional funding is currently available for new contracts  

With the passage of ESSB 5634 in Spring 2023, problem gambling treatment reimbursement rates are increasing on 1/1/24 for Certified Gambling Counselors (WSCGC-I/II, ICGC-I/II, or Provisional Providers) and problem gambling agencies that are contracted with the State Problem Gambling Program. Additional limited funding is also now available for NEW contracts with the State Problem Gambling Program. Please contact Roxane Waldron for information about your current state contract or starting a state contract for problem gambling treatment reimbursement services: roxane.waldron@hca.wa.gov. 

New Interactive Support Service Directory Map! 

Check out ECPG’s new Support Service Locator interactive map!  As with any major website updates, it will be getting some tweaks and updates as needed, so please let us know if you encounter any glitches.  

Who is currently included on ECPG’s Counselor Directory? 

• Certified Gambling Counselors and Provisional Providers (WSCGC-I/II and ICGC-I/II) 

• Counselors with the International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC) 

Future updates of the map/webpage may include:  

• Providers will be able to include the following information on their info cards: Gender/pronouns, year of birth, race/ethnicity (this information will be optional) 
• Filtering by funding sources 
• Financial Specialists endorsed for their completion of problem gambling training
• Links to 12-Step and other community resource webpages 
• Peer Specialists and Recovery Coaches specializing in gambling/gaming recovery 
• Screening and Referral Sites (Locations without a CGC or IGDC on staff, but willing to provide in-person/virtual gambling screening and referrals) 

FAQ 

• I’m on the directory but need to update my contact info/service information. – Please email Tana Russell at trussell@evergreencpg.org and ask for a copy of the new Directory Authorization form.  

• When will updates be added to the directory? – Provider information will be updated regularly as needed.  Updates to other service types and content additions is indeterminant at this time and will follow the launch of new programs, services, and new licenses, certifications, and endorsements. 

Four Directions: Beyond a Conference – It’s an Experience! 

The Four Directions conference has grown so much since it was first launched in 2009.  Perhaps more importantly, the Four Directions conference has expanded its scope and purpose over the 15 years since it began.  It is a true vision of Honoring Our Past and Protecting Our Future – TOGETHER through inclusive and collaborative efforts and respect for individuals, families, and communities as a whole through Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, and Physical wellbeing.  

Of course, planning and hosting a conference of this nature is a true labor of love.  Since Four Directions first launched at the urging and support of Tribal Nations in Washington, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Northwest Tribes to host and invite all of our attendees to learn, share, and celebrate together on Tribal lands.  We can’t thank our partners over the years, and at The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and ilani Casino in 2023, enough for their amazing support and commitment to serving communities.   

"We are grateful and honored to host this year's Four Directions conference,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, President and General Manager of ilani Resort.  “Our community partnerships in tribal gaming are essential to ensure the integrity of our business and positive impact on those we serve.  Responsible gaming is not just about preventing problem gambling, but also about creating a positive and safe environment for everyone involved. It is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of those who provide continuing education, leadership, and community connections. Together, we can empower individuals to make informed choices, promote responsible behavior, and ensure the well-being of all." 

(Click to view the Four Directions 2023 highlights video and gallery)

We always love to hear great comments from our partners, presenters, and attendees, and also work hard to address concerns – whether ensuring attendee dietary needs are met or balancing requests for room temperature changes in different meeting spaces.  In most cases, the positive responses to everything that’s offered at Four Directions and the Experience of a community gathering that has become much more than just a conference is heartwarming.  Here are a few highlights of Four Directions 2023 – from comments and evaluations to some of the wonderful photos throughout the week that remind us just how unique Four Directions really is.  

• Four Directions is way beyond a ‘Conference,’ it’s an Experience like no other that offers learning, sharing and, most of all, connection that touches the soul! 
• A real trailblazer – so grateful for this learning experience.  
• Best presentation I have seen in a long time.  
• Very healing.  Can’t say enough.  
• Absolutely inspiring.   It was amazing.  
• Everything was awesome and welcoming.  I will attend again.  
• This was the most relevant course for gambling I have been to – and great resources.  
• Presenters are caring, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable. 
• Four Directions always offers such a wonderful blend of education, cultural awareness, connection with others in our work, and community celebration.  It’s my ‘DO NOT MISS’ event of the year. 

If you feel the same way, Don’t Miss Four Directions 2024 at Little Creek Casino Resort – September 16-19.  Save the dates on your calendar today, and we will See You There! 

ECPG partnered with Skagit Valley College, didgwalic Wellness Center, and Dalis LaGrotta, to put on the first ever Celebracion de Familias Saludables, community health fair and educational presentation on the strength of families and awareness of problem gambling for the Spanish-speaking community of Skagit County, held on Sept. 30, 2023 at Skagit Valley College.  With over 100 attendees, 15 health fair exhibitors, dancers, burritos, and churros, it was a great success.  Stay tuned for more to come in 2024! 

This event prompted the finish of a project that has been in the works for more than a year...a free downloadable info-booklet designed to provide basic at-home and family-friendly education about problem gambling, both designed for Latino Communities and culture, and in Spanish. This Info-booklet is a project that was developed in partnership with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, which provided Spanish translation services and consultation on culturally specific content considerations, and ECPG’s Latinx Community Advisory Committee, which provided a review for appropriate use of language and general understanding.  

ECPG’s Community Advisory Committees (CACs) 

A HUGE thanks to the longest running volunteer members of ECPG’s Latinx Community Advisory Committee, who have been meeting quarterly (sometimes more) for three years.  With their help and guidance, ECPG now has a Spanish Webpage, a new Spanish Helpline brochure and wallet card, six different gambling screening tools in Spanish, PSA and awareness campaign, and a list of other resources.  

Also currently engaged are the Native American Community Advisory Committee (CAC), helping ECPG to create a program for Indigenous youth; the AA/PI CAC for translation of materials into a variety of Asian languages; and the Recovery CAC providing guidance on the development of a Peer Problem Gambling training program.  ECPG hopes to launch in 2024 a Military/Veterans CAC, and a Black CAC.  

When they speak, we listen.   

Advisory Committee members provide ECPG with consultation and guidance about gaps and barriers in serving specific groups, creative solutions for overcoming those barriers, culturally relevant messaging and content, resources, and community needs.  If you are interested in volunteering for any of ECPG’s Community Advisory Committees, please respond by letting us know by filling out this Community Advisory Committee Application Form to tell us about yourself and your interest in volunteering.  

Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling recognizes outstanding individual and organization accomplishments in the field of problem gambling and responsible gambling.  The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is proud to have been recognized with the Affiliate Public Awareness Award for our Washington Sports Betting Responsible Gambling Awareness Campaign 2022-2023.  Check it out at KeepItFunWA.org! 

Kathy is characteristically quiet – yet so many people have shared stories of how she has supported them and their work, their continuing education, and their own efforts to make a difference.  Beyond the accounts payable and receivable; the annual audits; and the day-to-day details that fall to the Office Manager, Kathy has always requested additional opportunities to support ECPG’s work – whether assisting with conferences and trainings, making travel arrangements, proofreading documents, or supporting website and graphics projects.  

Kathy clearly understands and has supported ECPG’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Goals for more than 13 years.  As a staff, a team, a family – all of us at ECPG take time for Self-Care and Self Reflection.  When we all shared our personal Mission, Vision, and Goals, Kathy said: 

“My personal goal is to contribute something of value to the world, no matter how small, and to make a difference in the lives of those around me; to leave everyone I meet with the knowledge that they matter.”  

There is absolutely no doubt that Kathy has accomplished that goal – I hope, to her highest satisfaction.   

Kathy’s skills with facts and figures have always been balanced by her creative interests outside of work, which have included costuming, needlework, bird watching, and music.  She also enjoys reading, movies, and playing with her grandchildren.  Kathy shares that she is looking forward to a retirement that allows her the opportunity to do some traveling and spend more time with her children and grandchildren.   

On behalf of all of us at ECPG (and, I’m sure so many partners and colleagues who have been touched by Kathy over the years), we want to remind Kathy that it is she who is retiring, not our friendship.  We expect visits, celebrations, travel photos, and Kathy has already offered to return as a volunteer at some of our conferences!   

Kathy, stay young at heart, kind in spirit, and enjoy your retirement to the fullest – cherishing every moment with family and friends you love.