Spokane - Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Who we are

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

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Crisis Diversion Program Manager, Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing support to program participants (including those identified as experiencing a physical or behavioral health crisis) that meets their needs, provides opportunities for community integration, and creates a nurturing, safe, and healthful living environment that will help them stabilize and prepare for transition into a long-term community placement. Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals will frequently interact with program participants and must be familiar with the Residential Service Guidelines issued by the Developmental Disabilities Administration. At all times, Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals will seek to act in accord with the principles and values expressed in the guidelines and 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.” Crisis Diversion Direct Support Professionals will work the shift assigned by the Crisis Diversion Program Manager.

Day-to-Day

• Provide Support Services: Deliver instruction and support aligned with each participant’s Crisis Services Treatment Plan to achieve discharge goals.
• Daily Assistance: Help participants with personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, and monitoring health needs, including medication supervision.
• Community Access: Support participants in accessing outings of their choosing, provide transportation using agency vehicles, assist with public transportation, or arrange other transportation as needed.
• Activity Facilitation: Plan and lead at least four hours of daily activities for Diversion Program participants.
• Documentation and Records: Complete required written and digital records, including medication logs, shift notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, financial records, and timekeeping.
• Medical Support: Assist with medical needs such as vital sign monitoring, transfers, tube feeding, and use of equipment like hoyer lifts, shower chairs, and suction machines.
• Behavioral Support: Provide positive behavior support to help participants achieve goals and reduce target behaviors.
• Collaboration: Participate in developing and implementing Crisis Services Treatment Plans.
• Professional Relationships: Maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, guardians, and other service providers.

Training and certification Requirements

• Mandatory Training:
  • Complete 12 hours of DDA/DSHS-approved continuing education annually.
  • Training on bloodborne pathogens and mandated reporting.
  • Trauma-informed practices and crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., CPI, Mandt, Right Response).
• Initial Training:
  • Six hours of DSHS-approved training before starting work.
  • Additional six hours of client-specific training within 90 days of hire.
• Ongoing Training:
  • Two hours of dual-diagnosis training annually.
  • Six hours of client-specific training annually addressing topics like coping skills, intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and more.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Active DOH license (NAR, NAC, or HCA).
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Food Handler’s Permit (if applicable).
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Who we are looking for

• A DSP who 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 administrations practices
• Physically able to support clients with personal care such as showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and transferring client
• Ability to motivate, develop, and provide instructional support to clients 
• Basic ability to use laptops, desktop, or tablet to complete computer tasks

Job Requirements 

• At least 18 years of age
• A High School Diploma or GED
• Have a Washington State Driver’s license able to be covered on Alpha Supported Living Services’ automobile insurance plan based upon driving record
• Background inquiry clearance from an authorized state agency

Starting Wage: 

$26.20/hr

Wage Scale:

$26.20-$31.80/hr

This position has a starting rate of $26.20 per hour and can earn up to $31.80 per hour through annual step increases. Higher starting rate may be 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 upon the results of the collective bargaining process. 

Benefits:

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