Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08105

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: ATTENDANT COUNSELOR 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Human Services, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Health Care Support

Summary

Direct Support Professional / Attendant Counselor 1

At Rainier Residential Habilitation Center, also known as Rainier School, we provide 24-hour residential and specialized care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in peaceful Buckley, Washington, with views of Mount Rainier, Rainier School is a supportive community where you’ll find meaning in your work and connection with your team.

As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll help residents thrive by teaching essential life skills and providing compassionate care throughout the campus. This is hands-on, human-centered work where every day is an opportunity to make a real difference.

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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.

Some of what you will do:

• Support residents with their daily routines, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
• Use positive approaches to encourage independence and social behavior.
• Assist individuals in developing skills like personal safety, community awareness, and household tasks.
• Follow each resident’s Individual Habilitation Plan to ensure care is personalized and appropriate.
• Provide protective interventions for residents with dual diagnoses.
• Escort and support residents during appointments, recreational outings, and community events.
• Accurately document progress and report observations to your team.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

OR

One year of experience working with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we're looking for:

• Communication skills – Clearly and respectfully communicate with residents, teammates, and supervisors.
• Adaptability – Remain flexible and calm when schedules or client needs change.
• Confidentiality – Handle sensitive information appropriately and respectfully.
• Responsibility – Dependable attendance and willingness to work weekends, holidays, or extended hours when needed.
• Cultural awareness – Support an inclusive, respectful, and equitable care environment.
• Commitment to learning – Willingness to complete required training and stay current on care procedures.
• Physical stamina – Ability to assist with lifting, repositioning, and supporting clients in physical tasks.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Questions about job duties or Rainier School Residential Habilitation Center? Please contact: Rainier School AC Hiring Center 360-829-4839.

Questions about the application process? Contact Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 08105.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

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. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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