DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor 3

Full Job Description

Direct Care Provider Lead - Attendant Counselor 3

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities? Join our dynamic team as a Direct Care Provider\Attendant Counselor 3 in Lakewood, WA.

We need your passion and skills to provide support, care, supervision, and training to children and youth who receive services in the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), Intensive Habilitation Services for Children (IHS).

This is a direct support opportunity to work with children and youth in a short-term setting.

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.

You will have the opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team, ensure high standards of client care, and contribute to the development and implementation of individualized support plans.

Your leadership will help shape the daily experiences of our clients, guiding them toward greater independence and well-being.

If you are ready to embrace a challenging and rewarding position that combines leadership, client care, and team collaboration, this is the role for you.

Some of what you will be doing

• Serve as a shift lead by coaching and monitoring staff, maintaining adequate staffing levels, and ensuring compliance with SOCR policies, client care plans, and safety protocols.
• Provide specialized care, support, and training to SOCR clients, including assistance with daily living activities (e.g., hygiene, meal preparation, community activities) and adherence to individualized care plans and behavioral support strategies.
• Act as lead trainer for new staff, ensuring thorough onboarding, support, and documentation of training.
• Coordinate and support client participation in offsite appointments and activities, while maintaining client confidentiality and monitoring financial procedures.
• Observe, document, and report changes in client conditions, behaviors, and any incidents; ensure data accuracy and completion in all records and reports.
• Maintain the home environment, including inventory of supplies, personal possessions, PPE, and equipment; oversee household maintenance, safety, and cleanliness.
• Communicate essential care, health, safety, and environmental issues to relevant personnel; provide feedback for program development and performance evaluations.

Additional information:

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

Desired skills and abilities:

• Proficiency in supporting and implementing 1:1 or 2:1 staffing with clients who may display challenging behaviors.
• Strong communication skills for providing clear feedback, training, mentoring, and coaching to staff.
• Ability to execute individualized programs and plans to enhance client skills and independence, following both written and verbal instructions.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and reporting data as required by Individualized Instruction and Support Plans (IISP).
• Patience, respect, and adaptability in working with clients who have diverse behavioral, physical, or personal needs.
• Capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, maintain confidentiality, and apply sound judgment in client care and home operations.
• Ability to safely transport clients and adhere to medical and nursing orders.

See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:

Who should apply?

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

OR

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

Interested? Apply today!

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? Please contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02349.

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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