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Posted: March 3, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS BHHA Direct Support Professional

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$22.07 - $29.52

per hour

Closes

March 10, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves supporting adults with developmental disabilities in a short-term crisis stabilization facility, where you'll help with daily activities, monitor their well-being, and assist in community outings to keep them safe and engaged.

It's perfect for compassionate individuals who enjoy teamwork, mentoring, and hands-on care in a dynamic environment.

Good fits include those with experience in healthcare or social services who can handle challenging situations calmly.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities in settings like mental health facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or residential care
  • Obtain Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) certification within 120 days of employment
  • 75-hour training certificate, Nurse Delegation, CPR/First Aid, Therapeutic Options, and Blood Borne Pathogen training (or ability to obtain within required timeframes)
  • Willingness to work with adults in crisis exhibiting challenging behaviors, including holidays, weekends, or extended hours with short notice
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with management, peers, residents, and the public
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and independently, following policies and procedures

Full Job Description

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 adults with developmental disabilities? Consider this exciting opportunity!

The Stabilization Assessment and Intervention Facility (SAIF), within the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) has multiple on-call opportunities for Direct Care Providers.

The SAIF program provides short-term crisis stabilization services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require intensive support to assist them in remaining safe and in the community.

You will implement, monitor, and assess the client’s support plans as well as document and provide feedback on the implementation of the goals in the support plans.

The SAIF program facility is located in Gig Harbor.

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 a free ORCA card for transportation use.


Some of what you will be doing:

  • Function as a member of a care team, including developing, modifying, and carrying out planned formal/data-based and informal programs assessing and reporting outcomes
  • Observe, document, and report changes in clients general physical and/or mental condition, taking appropriate action to provide client safety, security, and protection from abuse and neglect
  • Appropriately engage with professionals, parents, guardians, and other entities involved in the clients' support network that promote and maintain a positive reinforcing environment
  • Participate in the care and treatment of clients receiving specialized treatment services that include prescribed exercises, administration of specialized equipment, modified diets
  • Train and assist clients in their own self-care, i.e. bathing, dressing, grooming, and household skills
  • Escort, monitor, support clients in groups or individually; to and from recreational and social activities, employment, medical, dental, wellness appointments, and other activities at home or in the community
  • Utilize an electronic data system to maintain client records and other reports

What we are looking for:

  • Willingness to work with adults in crisis who exhibit challenging behaviors
  • Ability to effectively communicate with management, peers, residents, and the public both and verbally and in writing
  • 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
  • Able to work holidays, weekends, or extended hours with short notice


To Start On Your New Career, We Ask That You Have

Experience:

Attendant Counselor 2

  • A high school diploma/GED and one year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities in mental health facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or residential settings.
  • 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.

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

We need you to help us help others! If we have caught your eye, we want to hear from you!


Interested?
Simply fill out our application and attach your resume and three references. That's it! We want to make this easy for you.


To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

Questions? Email the DSHS Recruiter and reference job number 01523.


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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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/4/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5256320