Spokane - Direct Support Professional (DSP / Caregiver) House Lead

About Us

Alpha Supported Living Services is a non-profit organization providing residential and community-based services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for each client by aiding them in learning, personal development, and fostering increased independence. Since 1974, we've offered supported living, group home, community inclusion, and representative payee services across King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties in Washington State. We are committed to treating every client with dignity and respect while valuing and nurturing our employees' professional growth.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, Direct Support Professional (DSP) House Leads provide support to program participants to meet their needs, promote community integration, and create a nurturing, safe, and healthful living environment. DSPs uphold the agency mission: "to serve individuals with developmental disabilities by providing accessible residential and other support services that will maximize each person’s quality of life."

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients and provide informal counseling; support clients in problem-solving challenges
• Support day-to-day needs including personal hygiene, food preparation, housekeeping, shopping, monitoring health needs, and supervision of medication
• Assist participants with accessing community outings of their choosing
• Operate agency vehicle to transport clients or assist with transportation needs
• Assist with grocery shopping
• Complete required written and digital documentation of each shift, including:
  • Medication records
  • Behavior tracking
  • Incident reports
  • Financial records
• Assist with medical needs, including:
  • Vital signs
  • Transferring, turning, and positioning
  • Tube feeding
• Operate necessary equipment including Hoyer lift, shower chairs, suction machines, and medicine crusher
• Provide positive behavior support to clients
• Develop and maintain activity calendars
• Prepare and maintain property inventory records
• Develop grocery lists and assign staff to support participants with grocery shopping
• Monitor home status and provide maintenance requests
• Provide new hire support and training, including Peer Coaching
• Periodically review clothing and hygiene supplies to identify needed repairs or replacements
• Verify that food purchased with EBT cards is properly labeled and stored
• Check PRNs to ensure 7 days/dosages are on hand and check expiration dates; reorder as needed

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Washington State Driver’s license eligible for coverage on Alpha Supported Living Services’ automobile insurance plan based on driving record
• Background inquiry clearance from an authorized state agency
• 6+ months experience working in supported living or other long-term care setting
• Current certification in first aid and CPR, NAR (or CNA/HCA), and Nurse Delegation Core Training, or ability to obtain or renew within 4 weeks of hire
• Physically able to support clients with personal care such as showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and transferring
• Basic ability to use laptops, desktops, or tablets to complete computer tasks

Qualifications

• Treats participants with dignity and consideration, promoting and safeguarding clients' ability to make decisions and freely exercise their rights
• Knowledge of personal care, emotional support, and medical administration practices
• Ability to motivate, develop, and provide instructional support to clients
• 6+ months or more experience as a DSP or other leadership role is necessary
• Desire to serve the community and support others
• NAR, CNA, or HCA license is highly desired but not required

Pay

This position has a starting rate of $23.10 per hour and can earn up to $27.70 per hour through annual step increases. A higher starting rate is available for applicants with qualifying experience and required certifications. Employees in this position are members of a bargaining unit represented by SEIU. Wages and benefits are currently under negotiation and may change depending on the results of the collective bargaining process.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision (for those working 30+ hours)
• Retirement Plan (company match after 2 years)
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Savings Program and Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual for employees working 34 or more hours a week