DSHS DDA Direct Support Professional

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive paid training

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) invites applications for the Direct Support Professional/Attendant Counselor 2 in Tumwater, WA. You will support adults with developmental disabilities at home and in the community, helping with daily living, transportation, and well-being.

This on-site role offers paid training, benefits, and the chance to grow a meaningful career while making a difference in people’s lives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities in mental health facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Coach, teach, and mentor people with intellectual disabilities.
• Assist and train clients with daily living skills.
• Implement Individual Support Plan programs, plans, and services.
• Transport and accompany clients to appointments or activities.
• Form relationships with people.
• Keep the resident's home safe and clean.
• Review, collect, and record participant information and report information vital to home management.
• Utilize an electronic data system to maintain client records and other reports.

Skills

Outgoing personality

Written and verbal communication

Punctual and reliable

Ability to handle challenging behavior

Communication with management and team

Team and independent work

Policy reading and adherence

Strong work habits

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

DSHS DDA – Direct Support Professional/Attendant Counselor 2

State-Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA), a program within the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), is seeking compassionate Direct Care Providers to join our team in Tumwater, WA. If you're ready to turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

In this role, you'll support adults with developmental disabilities in living full, independent, and empowered lives in their homes and communities. Because each individual has unique strengths and support needs, responsibilities may include meal preparation, personal care, household tasks, community involvement, medication administration, and support for maintaining physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being.

This essential position offers comprehensive paid training, excellent benefits, and the chance to build a fulfilling career while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Note:

• We are currently hiring for one permanent swing shift position (Thursday-Sunday, 2:00pm - 10:00pm) and two On-Call positions.
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
• 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.

Some of what you'll do:

• Coach, teach, and mentor people with intellectual disabilities.
• Assist and train clients with all areas of daily living skills.
• Implement Individual Support Plan programs, plans, and services.
• Transport and accompany clients to appointments, or other activities in the community.
• Form relationships with people.
• Keep the resident's home safe and clean.
• Review, collect, and record participant information and report information that is vital and/or pertinent to home management.
• Utilize an electronic data system to maintain client records and other reports.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Outgoing and friendly.
• Ability to provide accurate and clear written communications both electronically and verbally.
• Punctual and responsible.
• Ability to work with challenging individuals.
• Effectively communicate with management, peers, residents, and the public as needed.
• Able to work in a team and alone.
• Able to read and follow policies and procedures.
• Maintain great work habits.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

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

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at [e-mail] and reference job number 08664.

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

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.

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 [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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure ( Nepotism ) 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.

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