DSHS Lakeland Attendant Counselor 3

About the role

Lakeland Village Residential Habilitation Center is seeking compassionate and dedicated professionals to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. As an Attendant Counselor 3, you will provide direct care and support to adults with developmental disabilities in a homelike setting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a shift charge, assigning duties, providing instruction, and reviewing the work of staff.
• Aid, train, and support clients in all aspects of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, social behavior, behavioral management, decision-making, and household management.
• Transport clients to appointments, activities, and other outings as needed.
• Provide money management opportunities when appropriate to promote financial independence.
• Observe, document, and report changes in clients' physical or mental conditions and respond to unusual behaviors to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Implement individualized programs and care plans, supporting skill maintenance and independence while following daily schedules and prescribed services.
• Deliver care in accordance with the Individual Plan of Care (IPOC).
• Perform light housekeeping tasks, including laundering clients' personal clothing and bedding, to maintain a clean and comfortable environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED AND two years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
• OR High school graduation or GED AND two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent or higher-level state class.
• OR Equivalent education/experience.

Qualifications

• Communication: Clearly shares information with clients, coworkers, and supervisors in ways that are easy to understand and respectful of each person's needs.
• Physical ability: Performs hands-on care tasks, including repositioning, transferring, and transporting clients safely using equipment such as mechanical lifts.
• Patient: Supports individuals with complex behavioral and medical needs with steadiness and care, even during difficult or stressful situations.
• Safety awareness: Follows agency policies and procedures to protect clients and coworkers from harm, including proper handling of bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials.
• Judgment: Makes sound decisions when supporting clients in crisis, using program-approved methods and the helping relationship as a guide.

Benefits

The department offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and basic life insurance, a medical flexible spending account, basic life and long-term disability insurance, dependent care assistance, and various insurance options. Additionally, there are retirement and deferred compensation programs, public service loan forgiveness, and generous paid leave and vacation accruals.