DSHS Lakeland Attendant Counselor 3

State of Washington

WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$4,201–$5,642
SKILLS
Aged Care, Childcare, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Customer Support/Service, Customer Training, Developmental Disabilities, Driver's License, Employee Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Health Maintenance, Health Plan, Healthcare, High School Diploma, Home Economics, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Liability Insurance, Nonprofit, Nursing, Pathogens, Program Planning, Safety/Work Safety, Structured Data, Student Loans, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Treatment Plan, Use Tax
LOCATION
WA
POSTED
3 days ago

DSHS Lakeland Attendant Counselor 3

Salary

$4,201.00 - $5,642.00 Monthly

Location

Spokane County - Medical Lake, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05355

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

DDA

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

Lakeland Village Residential Habilitation Center is looking for 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. The people you support rely on you to help them stay safe, healthy, and as independent as possible in their daily lives.

You will work as part of a team that includes nurses, therapists, and other care staff. Together, you follow individual care plans and use structured, data-based approaches to help each person grow and thrive. Your work directly shapes the quality of life for the people in your care every day.

Location:

Nestled in the town of Medical Lake, Lakeland Village Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) is 25 minutes south of downtown Spokane and offers a warm and inviting community to residents and staff. In addition to an exceptional benefits package, staff have access to an onsite fitness center, regional public transportation, and professional development opportunities.

Additional information:

  • 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.
  • Evening and night shifts include a shift differential, in addition to the standard compensation rate.
  • The schedule will be shift 3: Sunday - Thursday, 10:30PM - 7:00AM Friday and Saturday OFF.
  • This is located in Ponderosa Cottage.

See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:

Some of what youll do:

  • Serve as a shift charge, assigning duties, providing instruction, and reviewing the work of staff.
  • Assist, 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.

Who should apply? Those that meet one of the following criteria:

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.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

  • Communication: Clearly shares information with clients, coworkers, and supervisors in ways that are easy to understand and respectful of each persons needs.
  • Physical ability: Performs hands-on care tasks, including repositioning, transferring, and transporting clients safely using equipment such as mechanical lifts.
  • Patience: 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.

Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05355.

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.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid drivers 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" on your website and on printed materials.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

  • I have a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with clients with developmental disabilities.
  • I have a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience working as an Attendant Counselor 1, equivalent, or higher level class for Washington State.
  • None of the above applies to me.

02

If you have experience working with clients with developmental disabilities, where did you obtain this experience? Write "NA" if you do not have this experience.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

About the Company

S

State of Washington