State of Washington
DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager
State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
Salary :
$55,836.00 - $75,108.00 Annually Location :
Spokane County - Spokane, WA Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent Job Number:
2025-06020 Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services Division:
BHHA Opening Date:
08/28/2025 Closing Date:
9/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager
Are you ready to lead a team that helps people with developmental disabilities live safely and independently in their homes? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) team in Spokane, WA. In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 operations of programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive in their own homes and communities.
This role blends leadership, teamwork, and compassion. You'll be present in client homes-coaching staff, ensuring safe and welcoming environments, and helping each client reach their goals. You'll also work closely with families, health care providers, and case managers to make sure support plans are followed with care and dignity.
If you thrive on responsibility, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make homes healthier and lives more independent for people with developmental disabilities - we want to hear from you. 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.
Some of what you'll do
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. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
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.
Who should apply?
Those with either: 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. OR Meets professional qualifications for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) () and one year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities. 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions about this opportunity?
Please contact Georgina Pringle at and reference project number 06020. Supplemental Information 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025 01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
Yes No
02
Please indicate which of the following applies to your experience:
Four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1 or a higher-level state job class. Four years of experience working with people with intellectual disabilities. I meet the professional qualifications for a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP)* and have at least one year of experience working directly with people with developmental disabilities. None of the above.
Required Question
$55,836.00 - $75,108.00 Annually Location :
Spokane County - Spokane, WA Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent Job Number:
2025-06020 Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services Division:
BHHA Opening Date:
08/28/2025 Closing Date:
9/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS BHHA Attendant Counselor Manager
Are you ready to lead a team that helps people with developmental disabilities live safely and independently in their homes? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an Attendant Counselor Manager to join the State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) team in Spokane, WA. In this role, you will oversee the 24/7 operations of programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive in their own homes and communities.
This role blends leadership, teamwork, and compassion. You'll be present in client homes-coaching staff, ensuring safe and welcoming environments, and helping each client reach their goals. You'll also work closely with families, health care providers, and case managers to make sure support plans are followed with care and dignity.
If you thrive on responsibility, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make homes healthier and lives more independent for people with developmental disabilities - we want to hear from you. 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.
Some of what you'll do
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. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
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.
Who should apply?
Those with either: 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. OR Meets professional qualifications for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) () and one year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities. 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions about this opportunity?
Please contact Georgina Pringle at and reference project number 06020. Supplemental Information 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025 01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
Yes No
02
Please indicate which of the following applies to your experience:
Four years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 1 or a higher-level state job class. Four years of experience working with people with intellectual disabilities. I meet the professional qualifications for a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP)* and have at least one year of experience working directly with people with developmental disabilities. None of the above.
Required Question