Complex Needs Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Shoreline

Who we are

We are Alpha Supported Living Services, a non-profit organization, we provide residential and community-based services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our primary objective at Alpha is to enhance the quality of life for each of our clients by aiding them in learning, personal development, and fostering increased independence. Since 1974, we've been dedicated to offering supported living, group home, community inclusion, and representative payee services, expanding our reach across King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties in Washington State. At Alpha, our commitment lies in treating every client with utmost dignity and respect while also valuing and nurturing the abilities of our employees to foster their professional growth.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, Complex Needs Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing support to program participants (including those identified as having more complex physical and behavioral health needs) that meets their needs, provides opportunities for community integration and creates a nurturing, safe and healthful living environment. Complex Needs Direct Support Professionals will frequently interact with program participants and so must be familiar with the Residential Service Guidelines issued by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.  At all times, Complex Needs Direct Support Professionals will seek to act in accord with the principles and values expressed in the guidelines and uphold the agency mission “to serve individuals with developmental disabilities by providing accessible residential and other support services that will maximize each person’s quality of life.” Complex Needs Direct Support Professionals will work the shift assigned by the Program Supervisor or the Site Supervisor.

Day-to-Day

• Interact with clients and provide informal counseling; support client in problem solving challenges
• Support day-to-day needs including; personal hygiene, food preparation, house keeping, shopping, monitor health needs, and supervision of medication
• Assist participants with accessing community outings of client's choosing
  • Operate agency vehicle to transport clients or assist with transportation needed
• Complete required written and digital documentation of each shift
  • Medication records
  • Behavior tracking
  • Incident reports
  • Financial records
• Assist with medical needs
  • Vital signs
  • Transferring, turning, and positioning
  • Tube feeding
• Operate necessary equipment including but not limited to hoyer lift, shower chairs, suction machines, medicine crusher
• Provide positive behavior support to clients

Additional training and compliance needs: 

• Prior to beginning work, complete a minimum of six total hours of DSHS-approved training in the following topics.
  • Trauma-informed practices.
  • One of the following DSHS-approved crisis prevention and intervention trainings:
    • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI);
    • Mandt;
    • Right Response;
    • Therapeutic Options; or
    • Ukeru
  • Complete additional training no more than 90 days after the client enters services or no more than 90 days after date of hire, which includes:
    • Complete a minimum of two hours of dual diagnosis core competency training (this includes diagnostic practices for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions).
    • An employee working with a client in the program must complete at least six additional hours of DSHS-approved, client-specific training on an annual basis. The additional DSHS-approved training must be related to the client’s needs as identified in their PBSP and must address two or more of the following topics:
      • Anger management;  
      • Autism;  
      • Co-occurring diagnoses including common psychiatric, medical, and genetic disorders;  
      • Coping skills and client centered interventions;
      • Intellectual disabilities and mental illness; 
      • Physical intervention strategies;
      • Psychiatric conditions;  
      • Psychopharmacology; 
      • Risk assessment, prevention, and treatment for offenders;  
      • Sexual health and education – abuse prevention, sexual disorders, inappropriate behaviors, and vulnerabilities;
      • Substance-use disorder; or
      • Other pre-approved client-specific training. 
    • Within the first year of employment, must complete the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) certification process and maintain that certification thereafter. Requirements for NADD DSP Certification can be found here: https://thenadd.org/dsp-certification-competency-areas/

Who we are looking for

• A DSP who treats participants with dignity and consideration, promoting and safeguarding clients' ability to make decisions and freely exercise their rights
• Knowledge of personal care, emotional support, and medical administrations practices
• Physically able to support clients with personal care such as showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and transferring client
• Ability to motivate, develop, and provide instructional support to clients 
• Basic ability to use laptops, desktop, or tablet to complete computer tasks

Job Requirements 

• 1 year of experience as DSP with more than 1,000 hours
• 1 year of experience working with challenging behaviors and clients/patients with dual diagnosis of both mental and physical disabilities 
• At least 18 years of age
• A High School Diploma or GED
• Have a Washington State Driver’s license able to be covered on Alpha Supported Living Services’ automobile insurance plan based upon driving record
• Background inquiry clearance from an authorized state agency

Starting Wage:  

$25.50/hr for all DSPs in this program

Wage Scale: 

$25.50 - $31.10/hr 

Benefits:

Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30 hours or more a week) include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) (non-profit version of a 401(k)) with company match, Life Insurance, Tuition Savings Program, and Tuition Reimbursement. Employees working 34 or more hours a week are eligible for PTO accrual.

Please note: As of 10-18-21 all workers in Long-Term Care are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Salary : $26 - $31