Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07944

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: ATTENDANT COUNSELOR 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Human Services, Allied Health, Health Care Support

Summary

DSHS Direct Support Professional/Attendant Counselor 2

Want to put your compassion to work? Are you eager and ready to coach, teach, mentor and support children and youth with developmental disabilities? Consider this exciting opportunity! We need your passion and skills to provide support, care, supervision, and training to children and youth who receive services in the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Children's West SOCR.

We need your passion, skills, and positive attitude to provide support, personal care, supervision, and training to children in a short-term habilitation program home. Each of our clients has unique support needs. Your support may include teaching daily living skills, performing personal care and household tasks, facilitating community integration and relationship building, as well as assisting with medication administration, and managing behaviors.

These direct support opportunities provide the opportunity to make an incredible difference in the lives of children and youths. Be part of our hard-working team of professionals at Children's West SOCR in Lakewood, WA.

Additional incentives:

• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Coach, teach, and mentor children and youth with intellectual disabilities.
• Assist and train participants with all areas of daily living skills.
• Implement habilitation and behavioral plans.
• Transport and accompany clients to appointments or other activities in the community.
• Maintain the IHS home, keeping it safe and clean while respecting personal property.
• Assist with medical or behavioral emergencies which may frequently include high intensity behaviors.
• Utilize an electronic data system to maintain client records and other reports.
• Keep the program home safe and clean.

Who should apply?

One year of experience working with people experiencing developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges AND a high school graduation / GED or equivalent.

OR

One year of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher-level state class.

Note: A current Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) will be needed within 120 days of employment. Information regarding NAR with the State of Washington can be found here.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Outgoing and friendly.
• Willingness to work with children and youth in crisis who exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Effectively communicate with management, peers, residents, and the public as needed.
• Ability to work in a team and alone.
• Ability to read and follow policies and procedures.
• 75-hour training certificate, Nurse Delegation, CPR/First Aid, Therapeutic Options, and Blood Borne Pathogen training, or ability to obtain within required timeframes.

NOTE: Your starting rate will be dependent on your education and experience.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Contact DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference 07944.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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