Spokane - Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professional; DSP

Spokane - Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Category

Direct

SPOKA
001272

• Full-Time

Spokane, WA 98207, USA

Who we are

We are Alpha Supported Living Services, a non‑profit organization providing residential and community‑based services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for each client by providing learning opportunities, personal development, and fostering increased independence. Since 1974, we have offered supported living, group home, community inclusion, and representative payee services across King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties.

We treat every client with dignity and respect while nurturing the abilities of our employees to foster their professional growth.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Crisis Diversion Program Manager, Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals provide support to program participants, especially those experiencing a physical or behavioral health crisis. They facilitate community integration, create a nurturing and safe living environment, and help participants stabilize and transition to long‑term community placement. Professionals frequently interact with participants and must be familiar with the Residential Service Guidelines issued by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

They uphold the agency mission to serve individuals with developmental disabilities by providing accessible residential and other support services that maximize each person’s quality of life.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Provide Support Services
  :
  Deliver instruction and support aligned with each participant’s Crisis Services Treatment Plan to achieve discharge goals.
• Daily Assistance
  :
  Help participants with personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, and monitoring health needs, including medication supervision.
• Community Access
  :
  Support participants in accessing desired outings, provide transportation using agency vehicles, assist with public transportation, or arrange other transportation as needed.
• Activity Facilitation
  :
  Plan and lead at least four hours of daily activities for Diversion Program participants.
• Documentation and Records
  :
  Complete required written and digital records, including medication logs, shift notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, financial records, and timekeeping.
• Medical Support
  :
  Assist with medical needs such as vital sign monitoring, transfers, tube feeding, and use of equipment like hoyer lifts, shower chairs, and suction machines.
• Behavioral Support
  :
  Provide positive behavior support to help participants achieve goals and reduce target behaviors.
• Collaboration
  :
  Participate in developing and implementing Crisis Services Treatment Plans.
• Professional Relationships
  :
  Maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, guardians, and other service providers.

Training and Certification Requirements

• Mandatory Training
  :
  • Complete 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 addressing topics such as coping skills, intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and more.
• Licenses and Certifications
  :
  • Active DOH license (NAR, NAC, or HCA).
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Food Handler’s Permit (if applicable).
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Who we are looking for

• A DSP who treats participants with dignity and consideration, promoting and safeguarding clients’ ability to make decisions and freely exercise their rights.
• Knowledge of personal care, emotional support, and medical administration practices.
• Physically able to support clients with personal care such as showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and transferring.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and provide…