What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS BHHA SOLA Attendant Counselor Manager position at State of Washington?
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a dedicated Attendant Counselor Manager to join the State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) team in Kent, WA.
In this role, you will oversee 24/7 program operations that support individuals with developmental disabilities in living successfully in their homes and communities. You will lead and supervise Attendant Counselor 2 staff, ensuring services are delivered consistently, align with individual support plans, and reflect agency policies and Guiding Values.
This is an opportunity to lead a team committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments while continuing to grow your leadership career with strong benefits and professional development opportunities.
Some of what you'll do:
- Oversee AC2 staff 24/7 in a collective bargaining labor environment, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and ensuring adherence to WAC, policies, and procedures
- Direct staff to meet clients' health, safety, and treatment needs; follow up on incident reports, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with SOLA policies
- Create and maintain Individualized Instruction and Support Plans (IISP), financial plans, coordinate necessary adjustments and team meetings
- Ensure clients live in safe, clean, and organized homes while assisting them in seeking and maintaining suitable housing
- Manage medical appointments, personal finances, and health records; provide direct care during emergencies as needed
- Maintain clear communication with staff, case managers, clients, families, and external service providers, act as a liaison between SOLA and service providers
- Provide ongoing training to staff, facilitate compliance with assessments and documentation requirements, and perform auditing functions to ensure program quality
- Ability to train, supervise, and provide timely, effective feedback to staff while managing and prioritizing multiple urgent issues
- Knowledge of client care practices, agency policies, workplace procedures, human resource protocols, and collective bargaining agreements
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to navigate problem-solving and conflict resolution with employees, clients, families, and the public
- Ability to support clients with challenging behaviors, dual diagnoses, community protection concerns, or complex health conditions while meeting mandatory reporting requirements
- Proficiency in basic computer applications, including email, word processing, and internet use, along with the ability to produce clear, professional reports
- Flexibility to work on-call or standby, lead teams effectively, and adapt to changing program needs
We’re seeking professionals who meet one of the following:
- High school diploma or GED and four years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
OR - High school diploma or GED and four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, or in an equivalent or higher-level state classification
OR - Meet the qualifications for a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) (see below) and have at least one year of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
As defined in federal regulations, a QIDP is one of the following:
- A doctor of medicine or osteopathy;
- A registered nurse
- An individual with at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Social Work*
- Speech or Audiology
- Recreation or related fields
- Human Services (including sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, and related disciplines)
- Occupational Therapy
Additional information:
- Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday-Thursday, plus rotating responsibilities after hours.
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03213.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) 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 Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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Salary : $4,653 - $6,259