Residential Life Counselor - Swing Shift

Full Job Description

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Residential Life Counselor (RLC) - Swing Shift!

Project positions are limited duration with the potential for conversion to a permanent position in the future. In fact, many of our Residential Life Counselor's start out as project employees!

Project positions include a comprehensive rewards package to include but not limited to PEBB medical/dental & PERS retirement benefits.

Agency Profile:

The purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential.

We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed.

Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts.

Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community.

WSSB’s core values are: being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the HR Consultant at kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Requirements

• Provide instruction in independent living skills for blind/low vision individuals in the residential setting, this includes instruction in the areas of social skills; home management; hygiene management; clothing care; etc.
• Complete daily reports including shift reports, data tracking sheets, etc.
• Supervise students to ensure safety at all times in the residential setting.
• Create a safe and professional learning environment which encourages student growth and respects individual student characteristics.
• Implement positive behavior management strategies with students.
• Plan and participate with students in leisure activities.
• Complete basic housekeeping tasks in the residential setting.
• Administer medication as directed by nursing care staff.
• Perform other work as required.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of college with major emphasis in education, child development, or related subject; OR 6 months minimum experience working with children preferably in an educational setting OR 6 months minimum experience working with blind/low vision individuals; OR equivalent education/experience which may include volunteer/life experience
• Minimum age of 18;
• Basic Microsoft Office software skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times;
• Ability to respond to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that will reduce or minimize potential conflict;
• Possess basic Braille competency or have the ability to obtain basic Braille competency;
• Have or have the ability to obtain First Aid/CPR card and Food Handler's card;
• Willingness and ability to work with learners with diverse learning needs;
• Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time and ability to walk long distances, as necessary;
• Ability to monitor students on long distance bus trips;
• Ability to lift or assist students as necessary;
• Willingness and ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, parents and students;
• Must pass State of Washington and Federal criminal background checks;

You will be required to acquire the following certifications;

• CPR/First Aid
• Food Handlers Card
• Medication Administration training
• Basic UEB Braille Understanding (Within 1 year)

Nice to Have:

• Experience working with blind or low vision individuals;
• Experience working in educational environment;
• Certified Lifeguard
• Valid driver's license and good driving record
• Possession of a current and valid CDL a definite plus!

Additional Information

What we Offer!

WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential.

Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, brand new state of the art track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

**Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only.

New hires without State of Washington agency experience in a similarly situated position typically do not start at the top of the range as these are considered senior/longevity steps.

Education/experience and skills and abilities will be considered for the proper placement of any final candidate. This position also includes additional 5% assignment pay.

This position may be entitled to a basic shift premium of $2.50 per hour for all assigned hours of work after 6:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. and for assigned full evening or night shifts.

An evening shift is a work shift of eight (8) or more hours which ends at or after 10:00 p.m. and a night shift is a work shift of eight (8) or more hours which begins by 3:00 a.m.

This recruitment can be used for multiple positions and shifts. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to requests regarding the status of your application. For a status report, you may login to governmentjobs to obtain information on your application status. This position will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time so apply early for the best consideration.

How to apply:

To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s).

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.
• Do not include your salary history when applying and remove or black out private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.

Attachments will not be opened. If you have a cover letter/resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation you wish to share, you may bring them to any scheduled interview. For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov.

Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:
The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicant's expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.

Veterans Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call (360) 696-6321 and ask to speak to Human Resources or email hr@wssb.wa.gov.

Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email Kristina.Bader@wssb.wa.gov.