DSHS DDA Attendant Counselor

Are you ready to support people with developmental disabilities in living empowered, safer lives? The State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) program within the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has an opportunity for an Attendant Counselor 3 located in Spokane, WA.

In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 management of the SOCR Transition facility, ensuring support for eligible DDA clients in the program. You will implement, monitor, and assess individual instruction and support plans while providing feedback on goal progress. Additionally, you will facilitate skill development and daily habilitative services, offering instruction and support both in the facility and the community.

Sunday Monday off: 11:15pm-7:15am.

Friday & Saturday off: 7:15am-3:15pm

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. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

• Ensures care is provided according to each client's care plan and directives.
• Implements individualized programs and services based on client needs.
• Uses training techniques to help clients follow formal and informal programs.
• Implements behavioral support plans for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Participates in specialized treatment, including exercises, equipment use, and diet modifications.
• Observes, documents, and reports changes in clients' physical or mental condition.
• Reports incidents of suspected abuse, neglect, or unexplained injuries.
• Completes or ensures completion of event reports.
• Supervises and accompanies clients during activities, appointments, and community outings.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized residential living unit.

Professionals with a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with people who experience developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental health challenges.

OR

Two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher-level state class.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

• Situational judgment – You stay calm and decisive in emergencies, responding with skill and care.
• Mentorship – You guide new and seasoned staff with patience, clarity, and accountability.
• Communication – You share information clearly and professionally—verbally, in writing, and across shifts.
• Financial oversight – This role may support financial reconciliation tasks. Previous experience handling or reconciling client accounts, tracking expenditures, or managing financial records, although not required, could be beneficial.
• Team orientation – You collaborate, support others, and contribute to a stable, respectful work culture.
• Leadership – You confidently direct others, hold high standards, and build trust on every shift.
• Professionalism – You uphold safety, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Behavioral support – You apply structured interventions while keeping respect and dignity at the core.
• Observation – You pick up on small changes in behavior or health and act before problems escalte.
• Adaptability – You navigate changing needs, client behaviors, and staffing challenges without losing focus.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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,…