DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager

DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager

Are you eager and ready to lead a team that helps to coach, teach, mentor, and support children and youth in a short‑term habilitation environment? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the State Operated Community Residential (SOCR), Intensive Habilitation Services for Children (IHS) team in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 operations of programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive in their own homes and communities.

This role blends leadership, teamwork, and compassion. You’ll be coaching staff, ensuring safe and welcoming environments, and helping each client reach their goals. You’ll also work closely with families, health care providers, and case managers to make sure support plans are followed with care and dignity.

If you thrive on responsibility, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make homes healthier and lives more independent for people with developmental disabilities – we want to hear from you.

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. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• Lead and support Attendant Counselors by setting goals and assigning daily work.
• Interview, hire, train, and coach staff so they provide excellent care.
• Monitor staff performance, give feedback, and take corrective action when needed.
• Ensure staff follow support plans, agency policies, and state requirements.
• Coordinate health care, medication, and specialized treatments for clients.
• Keep client homes clean, safe, and person‑centered.
• Support clients with daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and money management.
• Review documentation, client records, and incident reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Communicate clearly with families, guardians, and community partners.
• Rotate in the standby schedule to ensure 24/7 support.
• Step in to provide direct care when needed.
• Represent the administration in meetings, trainings, and community events.

• Staff leadership – Ability to train, supervise, and provide effective, timely feedback to staff while managing and prioritizing multiple urgent issues.
• Policy knowledge – Comprehensive understanding of client care, agency policies, workplace practices, human resource protocols, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Communication and collaboration – Strong skills in working with employees, clients, families, and the public, including addressing problem‑solving and conflict resolution professionally.
• Client care – Capability to work with adolescent clients who may have challenging behaviors, dual diagnoses, community protection concerns, or health issues, while meeting mandatory reporting requirements.
• Technology skills – Proficiency in basic computer functions such as email, word processing, and internet use, along with the ability to write professional reports, programs, and plans.
• Flexibility – Willingness to perform on‑call or standby duties, lead teams effectively, and adapt to changing program needs.

Those with either:
High school graduation or GED and four years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
OR
High school graduation or GED and four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher level state class.
OR
Meets professional qualifications for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) and one year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities.

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, including Black, Indigenous, and People of…