DSHS DDA Direct Support Professional Lead - Attendant Counselor 3

Description

Direct Support Professional Lead - Attendant Counselor 3 (AC3)

Are you ready to support people with developmental disabilities in living empowered, safer lives? State-Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) (Download PDF reader) within the Developmental Disabilities Administration has an opportunity for a Direct Care Provider Lead. This position is based in SOLA Pierce in University Place, a city located to the South West of Tacoma, WA.

In this role, you are the on-site lead for a team supporting adults in state-operated residential homes. You’ll take charge of your shift, ensure staff deliver care aligned with individualized support plans, mentor staff, respond to challenges and create calm when things get tough. You’ll advocate, problem-solve, and lead by example—often in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.

Please note: The anticipated schedule for this position is Saturday - Wednesday 9pm-5am (Thurs/Fri off).

Some of what you'll do:

• Lead staff during your shift, offering coaching, direction, and real-time decision-making.
• Deliver hands-on care: assist with hygiene, dressing, mobility, meals, and daily routines.
• Ensure care issues, environmental and other pertinent information is communicated timely and to appropriate people.
• Implement behavior support plans and respond to complex client needs, including aggression, elopement, or self-injury.
• Train and onboard new staff to ensure confidence and competence.
• Document health and behavioral observations, ensure compliance with care plans, and complete incident reporting.
• Transport, accompany, and supervise clients during various community activities including medical appointments.
• Monitor staffing levels and maintain adequate coverage.
• Ensure the home is safe, clean, and well-organized; manage household supplies and inventory.
• Support team communication and participate in evaluations, meetings, and interdisciplinary planning.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all DSHS policies and client rights.

Who should apply?

Professionals with 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 – You stay calm and decisive in emergencies, responding with skill and care.
• Mentorship – You guide new and seasoned staff with patience, clarity, and accountability.
• Communication – You share information clearly and professionally—verbally, in writing, and across shifts.
• 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.
• Team Orientation – You collaborate, support others, and contribute to a stable, respectful work culture.
• Leadership – You confidently direct others, hold high standards, and build trust on every shift.
• Professionalism – You uphold safety, ethics, and confidentiality—always.
• Behavioral Support – You apply structured interventions while keeping respect and dignity at the core.
• Observation – You pick up on small changes in behavior or health and act before problems escalate.
• Adaptability – You navigate changing needs, client behaviors, and staffing challenges without losing focus.

Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Please contact the assigned DSHS recruiter by email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and quote job number 02158.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

Supplemental 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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