DSHS Fircrest Attendant Counselor Manager

About the role

You will lead a team that provides short-term crisis stabilization services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require intensive support to assist them in remaining safe and in the community. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) seeks an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the team at Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline, WA. Fircrest School provides 24/7 comprehensive care and habilitation services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Shoreline, Wash., Fircrest School is state-operated and its employees take pride in providing high quality, person‑centered care and support to approximately 200 residents. Fircrest School is certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This role blends leadership, teamwork, and compassion, with teaching and training staff to implement individualized programs, plans, and services designed to provide skills and encourage independence. You will ensure staff work collectively to support clients’ training and personal growth, work closely with families, health care providers, and case managers to make sure support plans are followed with care and dignity.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

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.

Skills

• 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 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

Benefits

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. 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.

Schedule

The shift for this position is: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday.