DSHS Rainier Direct Support Professional

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Buckley (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainier Residential Habilitation Center in Buckley, Washington is seeking a Direct Support Professional to help residents thrive by teaching essential life skills and providing compassionate care on campus.

The role emphasizes hands-on, person-centered support with evenings and nights, and a 5% premium for on-site work. You will document progress, follow individualized plans, and collaborate with a caring team to promote safety, independence, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Or one year of experience working with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, or extended hours when needed.

Responsibilities

• Support residents with daily routines, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
• Use positive approaches to encourage independence and social behavior.
• Assist individuals in developing skills like personal safety, community awareness, and household tasks.
• Follow each resident’s Individual Habilitation Plan to ensure care is personalized and appropriate.
• Provide protective interventions for residents with dual diagnoses.
• Escort and support residents during appointments, recreational outings, and community events.
• Accurately document progress and report observations to your team.

Skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Confidentiality

Responsibility

Cultural awareness

Commitment to learning

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional / Attendant Counselor 1

At Rainier Residential Habilitation Center, also known as Rainier School, we provide 24-hour residential and specialized care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in peaceful Buckley, Washington, with views of Mount Rainier, Rainier School is a supportive community where you’ll find meaning in your work and connection with your team.

As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll help residents thrive by teaching essential life skills and providing compassionate care throughout the campus. This is hands-on, human-centered work where every day is an opportunity to make a real difference.

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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 will do:

• Support residents with their daily routines, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
• Use positive approaches to encourage independence and social behavior.
• Assist individuals in developing skills like personal safety, community awareness, and household tasks.
• Follow each resident’s Individual Habilitation Plan to ensure care is personalized and appropriate.
• Provide protective interventions for residents with dual diagnoses.
• Escort and support residents during appointments, recreational outings, and community events.
• Accurately document progress and report observations to your team.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

OR

One year of experience working with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we're looking for:

• Communication skills – Clearly and respectfully communicate with residents, teammates, and supervisors.
• Adaptability – Remain flexible and calm when schedules or client needs change.
• Confidentiality – Handle sensitive information appropriately and respectfully.
• Responsibility – Dependable attendance and willingness to work weekends, holidays, or extended hours when needed.
• Cultural awareness – Support an inclusive, respectful, and equitable care environment.
• Commitment to learning – Willingness to complete required training and stay current on care procedures.
• Physical stamina – Ability to assist with lifting, repositioning, and supporting clients in physical tasks.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

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.

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 (Neb?) 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 (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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