DSHS DDA Attendant Counselor Manager

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Gig Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay on-site

Orca Card transportation

Job summary

DSHS is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to lead the SAIF team in Gig Harbor, WA. You will supervise 24/7 operations supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live safely in their homes and communities.

You will teach and guide staff to implement individualized programs, coordinate with families and health providers, and ensure plans are followed with dignity and care. On-site work is required, with potential for premium pay.

Qualifications

• Leadership: train, supervise, and provide timely feedback to staff.
• Policy knowledge: understand client care, agency policies, workplace practices, HR protocols, and bargaining agreements.
• Communication: work with clients, families, and partners; resolve conflicts professionally.
• Client care: support individuals with complex needs while following mandatory reporting.
• Technology: basic computer use and report writing.
• Flexibility: on-call/standby duties and adapting to program changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Attendant Counselors by setting goals and delegating daily tasks.
• Interview, hire, train, and coach staff to deliver quality care.
• Monitor performance and take corrective action when needed.
• Ensure adherence to support plans and state requirements.
• Coordinate health care, medications, and specialized treatments.
• Maintain clean, safe, person-centered client homes.
• Assist with daily living activities and money management.

Skills

Leadership

Hiring & coaching

Performance feedback

Policy knowledge

Communication

Client care

Technology literacy

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED with 4 years relevant experience

Job description

DSHS DDA Attendant Counselor Manager

Are you ready to lead a team thatprovides 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.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the Supported Assessment and Intervention Facility (SAIF) team on-site in Gig Harbor, WA. In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 operations of programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive in their own homes and communities.

This role blends leadership, teamwork, and compassion, with teaching and training staff to implement individualized programs, plans, and services that are designed to provide skills and encourage independence. We will count on your leadership capability to ensure that staff work collectively to support our clients’ training and personal growth. You’ll also work closely with families, health care providers, and case managers to make sure support plans are followed with care and dignity.

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 toreceive an Orca Card for transportation needs

Some of what you'll do

• Lead and support Attendant Counselors by setting goals and assigning daily work
• Interview, hire, train, and coach staff so they provide excellent care
• Monitor staff performance, give feedback, and take corrective action when needed
• Ensure staff follow support plans, agency policies, and state requirements
• Coordinate health care, medication, and specialized treatments for clients
• Keep client homes clean, safe, and person-centered
• Support clients with daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and money management
• Review documentation, client records, and incident reports for accuracy and compliance
• Communicate clearly with families, guardians, and community partners
• Rotate in the standby schedule to ensure 24/7 support
• Step in to provide direct care when needed
• Represent the administration in meetings, trainings, and community events

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Staff leadership – Ability to train, supervise, and provide effective, timely feedback to staff while managing and prioritizing multiple urgent issues
• Policy knowledge – Comprehensive understanding of client care, agency policies, workplace practices, human resource protocols, and collective bargaining agreements
• Communication and collaboration – Strong skills in working with employees, clients, families, and the public, including addressing problem-solving and conflict resolution professionally
• Client care – Capability to work with clients who may have challenging behaviors, dual diagnoses, community protection concerns, or health issues, while meeting mandatory reporting requirements
• Technology skills – Proficiency in basic computer functions such as email, word processing, and internet use, along with the ability to write professional reports, programs, and plans
• Flexibility – Willingness to perform on-call or standby duties, lead teams effectively, and adapt to changing program needs

Who should apply?

• High school graduation or GED and four years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities
• OR
• High school graduation or GED and four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher level state class

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebutism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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 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.

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.

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 [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.