Spokane - Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professional; DSP

About Alpha Supported Living Services

Alpha Supported Living Services is a non‑profit organization that provides residential and community based services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Since 1974 we have served clients in King, Snohomish and Spokane counties in Washington state. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for each client, supporting learning, personal development and increased independence.

Under the supervision of the Crisis Diversion Program Manager, Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals provide support to program participants experiencing physical or behavioral health crises. The role promotes community integration and creates a safe, nurturing environment that assists participants in stabilizing and preparing for long‑term community placement.

• Provide support aligned with each participant’s Treatment Plan to achieve discharge goals.
• Assist with daily personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, medication supervision, health monitoring, and activity facilitation.
• Support participants’ community access, including transportation and outings.
• Plan and lead at least four hours of daily activities.
• Complete required written and digital records: medication logs, shift notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, financial records, and timekeeping.
• Assist with medical needs such as vital sign monitoring, transfers, tube feeding, and use of equipment (e.g., hoyer lifts, shower chairs, suction machines).
• Provide positive behavior support and help reduce target behaviors.
• Collaborate in developing and implementing Treatment Plans.
• Maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, guardians, and service providers.

• Mandatory Training:
  • 12 hours of DDA/DSHS‑approved continuing education annually.
  • Training on blood borne pathogens and mandated reporting.
  • Trauma‑informed practices and crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., CPI, Mandt, Right Response).
• Initial Training:
  • Six hours of DSHS‑approved training before starting work.
  • Additional six hours of client‑specific training within 90 days of hire.
• Ongoing Training:
  • Two hours of dual‑diagnosis training annually.
  • Six hours of client‑specific training annually on topics such as coping skills, intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions.
• Licenses and
  
  Certifications:
  • Active DOH license (NAR, NAC, or HCA).
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Food Handlers Permit, if applicable.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification.

• DSP who treats participants with dignity, promotes decision‑making rights, and safeguards clients’ autonomy.
• Knowledge of personal care, emotional support, and medical administration practices.
• Physical ability to assist with personal care tasks (showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, transferring).
• Ability to motivate, develop, and provide instructional support.
• Basic computer skills with laptops, desktops, or tablets.

• At least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Washington State driver’s license, eligible for insurance coverage.
• Background inquiry clearance from an authorized state agency.

Starting wage: $26.20 per hour
. Wage scale: $26.20–$31.80 per hour with annual step increases. Higher rates may be available for qualifying experience and certifications.

Medical, Dental, Vision (for those working 30+ hours), Retirement Plan (company match after 2 years), Life Insurance, Tuition Savings Program, Tuition Reimbursement. Employees working 34 or more hours a week are eligible for PTO accrual. Employees are members of a bargaining unit represented by SEIU. Wages and benefits are currently under negotiation and may change depending on the results of the collective bargaining process.