Team Lead

The Team Leader is the frontline leader responsible for day-to-day staff execution, service quality, and direct support within assigned homes or programs. This role coaches DSPs, supports staffing coverage, monitors documentation and service standards, responds to incidents, and models strong person-centered practice in the field.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a team of Direct Support Professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations to ensure effective service delivery.
• Client Support: Engage directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities, communication, and social engagement, while modeling best practices for your team.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor service delivery for compliance with organizational standards and individual support plans. Address any issues or concerns promptly to maintain the highest quality of care.
• Training and Development: Facilitate ongoing training sessions for DSPs, ensuring they remain informed about best practices, policies, and regulations related to intellectual disabilities.
• Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including case managers, families, and healthcare providers, to coordinate services and advocate for the needs of clients.
• Crisis Management: Respond to and effectively manage challenging behaviors and crises, supporting staff and clients while prioritizing safety and well-being.
• Documentation and Reporting: Oversee accurate documentation of client documentation both digitally using Therap and on paper as needed as well as team performance, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Community Engagement: Foster opportunities for clients to participate in community activities, encouraging independence, socialization, and integration into the community.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or designee.

** NOTE: HALA is an "at will" employer. Nothing in this document or any other communication with an applicant or employee is intended nor shall it be interpreted as limiting or compromising HALA’s "at will" employer status. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

HALA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employee’s

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in direct support services, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of person-centered planning, behavioral support strategies, and best practices in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a strong ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations and manage conflicts professionally.
• Must pass background checks and fulfill other eligibility requirements as per organizational policy.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend at a minimum of High School level.
• Obtain 12 CEU’s annually after the 1st year of hire independently to remain as an employee (effective 1/1/2026)
• Certification in CPR/First Aid and Blood borne-Pathogens is required within the first 60 days of employment and maintained per state requirements. (Effective 1/1/2026)
• Must personally maintain NAR certifications annually and remain in good standing. (Effective 1/1/25)
• Competency in Microsoft Office tools with basic computer skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to actively support individuals in home and community settings, including standing, walking, and navigating varied environments throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, transfer, and physically assist individuals using proper body mechanics and equipment, including lifting up to 50 pounds and more in emergency situations
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and maneuver mobility equipment (e.g., wheelchairs) in residential environments
• Ability to provide hands-on personal care and respond to emergencies, including assisting with ADLs and rapid physical response when needed
• All positions and shifts are awake - sleeping is not an option under any circumstance.

Harbor Alternate Living Association (HALA) – Established in 1980, HALA is a nonprofit that helps adults with developmental disabilities build independent living skills and integrate into the broader community. Based in Grays Harbor County, HALA empowers each person to recognize their strengths and live independently by providing person‑centered support across multiple domains.

Services and impact. HALA’s core “Circle of Support” includes Supported Living, Community Guide and Engagement, Crisis Prevention and Stabilization, Specialized Habilitation, and Staff & Family Consultation. The organization tailors services to each individual’s abilities, offering help with health care, money management, home management, nutrition, safety, self‑advocacy, and social relationships. HALA also provides training for long‑term care workers and offers CPR/First Aid and blood‑borne pathogens courses to staff and the public. All supports are delivered in integrated settings that encourage personal choice, full community access, and independence.

Mission and values. HALA’s mission is to provide a bridge for people with disabilities “to move from seclusion to inclusion— from need to competence”. The organization strives to achieve this by treating clients with dignity and respect, acknowledging staff capabilities, and collaborating with partners and stakeholders. HALA emphasizes dignity, independence, and community integration while ensuring its programs remain financially sustainable.