DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor 3

Full Job Description

Are you ready to support people with developmental disabilities in living empowered, safer lives? DSHS's State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) program has an opportunity for an Attendant Counselor 3 to join their Transitions Program team, located in Yakima, WA.

This team provides 24/7 residential support for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including those with behavioral, medical, or mental health support needs.

This role is essential in helping each person build daily living skills, participate in meaningful activities, and maintain the highest level of independence possible.

You will implement and monitor individual instruction and support plans, provide direct habilitative services, support community integration, and document observations that contribute to program decisions.

Please note: The anticipated schedule for this position is Friday - Tuesday 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. (Wednesday/Thursday off).

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. 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.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Support people in following their individual care plans and daily routines.
• Implement individualized programs, services, and behavioral support plans.
• Use approved training techniques to help people participate in formal and informal skill-building activities.
• Participate in specialized care, including exercises, use of adaptive equipment, and modified diets.
• Observe, document, and report changes in behavior, physical condition, or overall well-being.
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect, injuries of unknown origin, and unusual incidents.
• Complete event reports or ensure they are completed.
• Accompany and supervise people during appointments, recreation, vocational activities, and community outings.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe living environment.
• Check and inventory clothing, personal possessions, and living unit supplies.
• Interpret data under the direction of a specialist and support financial procedures for client funds.
• Provide information on policies and procedures to relatives or guardians.

Who should apply?
Those with a valid driver's license for Washington State.

AND either;

A high school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with people who experience developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges.

OR
Two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher-level state class.

OR
Equivalent education/experience.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Situational judgment: Demonstrates the ability to remain calm and decisive during emergencies, responding with skill and care.
• Behavioral support: Applies individualized behavioral support plans and uses program-approved interventions while upholding dignity and safety.
• Clear communication: Effectively shares information across shifts and with clients, families, and staff through accurate verbal and written communication.
• Financial oversight: This role may support financial reconciliation tasks. Previous experience handling or reconciling client accounts, tracking expenditures, or managing financial records, although not required, could be beneficial.
• Crisis response and judgment: When faced with stressful or emergent situations, follows established procedures and exercises sound judgment to maintain safety.
• Instruction and teamwork: Models procedures, provides constructive feedback, supports 1:1 or 2:1 staffing needs, and contributes to a consistent, respectful team environment.
• Attention to detail: Follows written instructions, maintains accurate records, documents observations, and carries out programs and routines as outlined.

Interested? Apply today!

Questions?

Please contact the assigned DSHS Recruiter by email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and quote job number 01114.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.

Additional 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.

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