Direct Care Counselor Jobs
Direct Care Counselor jobs are open across residential facilities, behavioral health organizations, nonprofit service providers, and state agencies, from entry-level to senior counselor roles, with specializations in mental health support, substance use recovery, and developmental disabilities. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
DSHS Fircrest Direct Support Professional – Attendant Counselor 1
Do you enjoy working closely with people in need and want to make a difference in their lives? A career as a Direct Care Provider could be for you. Direct Care Providers, also known as Attendant Counselors, are compassionate about the well-being of our residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their homes or at other locations on and off campus.
Fircrest RHC is conveniently located just north of Seattle in the central location of Shoreline, WA, and has excellent access to transit lines. Also nearby are major medical & educational facilities, a variety of eateries, access to Wi-Fi while on campus, as well as an onsite Fitness Center. In addition to an exceptional benefits package, we also offer a complimentary Orca card while employed with Fircrest. You will enjoy being part of a great team and working in a residential setting on a beautiful 88-acre lot with a park-like atmosphere.
Start a career today at and join Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center our community of hard-working professionals. We offer competitive benefits, on-the-job training, meaningful work, and long-term, professional, and promotional growth opportunities.Note: This recruitment will be used to fill various positions and may also be used to fill any additional open positions.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide specialized care, support, and training for residents with intellectual disabilities by implementing each individual's habilitation plan.
- Train and assist residents to maximize independent living skills in community awareness, safety, and personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, social behavior, and behavioral needs.
- Provide protective intervention with residents who have a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness.
- Accompany and supervise residents ensuring health and safety of the residents to/from and during activities, community events, appointments, eating, and shopping.
- Able and willing to properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all infection control policies and procedures.
What we are looking for:
- Effective communication skills.
- Strong work ethic.
- Ability to work positively with clients and team members.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to work holidays, weekends, or extended hours with short notice.
Who should apply?
Professionals who have a high school diploma/GED OR one year of experience working with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Additional information
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
- Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
- 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.
Interested? Apply today!
Simply fill out our application and attach your resume and three references.
We need you to help us help others! If we have caught your eye, we want to hear from you!
Questions about job duties or Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center?
Contact: Krystal Link at 206-361-3461 and and reference job number #09337
General questions about DSHS?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov
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 applicant’s 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 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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Description
DSHS Fircrest Direct Support Professional – Attendant Counselor 1
Do you enjoy working closely with people in need and want to make a difference in their lives? A career as a Direct Care Provider could be for you. Direct Care Providers, also known as Attendant Counselors, are compassionate about the well-being of our residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their homes or at other locations on and off campus.
Fircrest RHC is conveniently located just north of Seattle in the central location of Shoreline, WA, and has excellent access to transit lines. Also nearby are major medical & educational facilities, a variety of eateries, access to Wi-Fi while on campus, as well as an onsite Fitness Center. In addition to an exceptional benefits package, we also offer a complimentary Orca card while employed with Fircrest. You will enjoy being part of a great team and working in a residential setting on a beautiful 88-acre lot with a park-like atmosphere.
Start a career today at and join Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center our community of hard-working professionals. We offer competitive benefits, on-the-job training, meaningful work, and long-term, professional, and promotional growth opportunities.Note: This recruitment will be used to fill various positions and may also be used to fill any additional open positions.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide specialized care, support, and training for residents with intellectual disabilities by implementing each individual's habilitation plan.
- Train and assist residents to maximize independent living skills in community awareness, safety, and personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, social behavior, and behavioral needs.
- Provide protective intervention with residents who have a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness.
- Accompany and supervise residents ensuring health and safety of the residents to/from and during activities, community events, appointments, eating, and shopping.
- Able and willing to properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all infection control policies and procedures.
What we are looking for:
- Effective communication skills.
- Strong work ethic.
- Ability to work positively with clients and team members.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to work holidays, weekends, or extended hours with short notice.
Who should apply?
Professionals who have a high school diploma/GED OR one year of experience working with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Additional information
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
- Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
- 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.
Interested? Apply today!
Simply fill out our application and attach your resume and three references.
We need you to help us help others! If we have caught your eye, we want to hear from you!
Questions about job duties or Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center?
Contact: Krystal Link at 206-361-3461 and and reference job number #09337
General questions about DSHS?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov
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 applicant’s 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 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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Direct Care Counselor Jobs by Experience Level
See All 41 Direct Care Counselor Jobs
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Find Direct Care Counselor JobsDirect Care Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- HART United11
- Aurora Staffing (PA)8
- ServiceNet2
- Mercy Haven2
- BTST Services2
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in direct care counselor jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with direct experience in a care or counseling setting
- Valid CPR and first aid certification current at time of hire
- Experience implementing individualized service plans or behavior support plans
- Ability to pass a state criminal background check and child or adult abuse clearance
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record for client transportation duties
- Completion of or willingness to obtain Medication Administration certification
Tips for Your Direct Care Counselor Job Search
Tailor your resume to setting type
Residential, day program, and crisis stabilization roles each weight different skills. Highlight documentation experience for residential settings, behavioral intervention for day programs, and de-escalation training for crisis roles so your resume speaks directly to what that employer needs.
List every active certification you hold
Employers filter applications by CPR, first aid, Medication Administration, and population-specific credentials like CPI or TACT. Put these in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so a hiring manager can confirm compliance before reading further.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists direct care counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your experience and apply directly to each listing.
Search by population served, not just title
Job titles vary widely: direct support professional, residential counselor, habilitation specialist, and behavioral health technician often describe the same duties. Search by the population you work with, such as adults with intellectual disabilities or adolescents in residential care, to surface relevant openings that use different titles.
Prepare specific behavior support examples
Interviewers ask you to walk through a real situation where a client escalated and how you responded. Have two or three concrete examples ready, including the antecedent, your intervention, and the outcome, because vague answers about being calm under pressure do not satisfy this question.
Follow up after the interview with documentation
Many direct care counselor roles require a background clearance, driving record check, and health screening before a formal offer. Confirm which clearances the employer needs on the day of your interview so you can submit paperwork quickly and avoid losing the position to a faster candidate.
Direct Care Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most direct care counselors?
The most active employers for direct care counselors right now are HART United, Aurora Staffing (PA), and ServiceNet, and the most openings are in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Nonprofit residential providers and state-contracted behavioral health agencies typically post the highest volume of openings in this role.
How many direct care counselor jobs are remote?
About 17% of direct care counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most roles require in-person client contact. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include crisis phone line support, care coordination, and documentation-focused case management positions.
How do you become a direct care counselor?
Most direct care counselor positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, though an associate or bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, or social work strengthens your candidacy. You'll need current CPR and first aid certification, a cleared background check, and often a valid driver's license. Many employers provide paid on-the-job training covering behavioral intervention techniques, documentation standards, and population-specific care protocols before you work independently with clients.
Can you get hired as a direct care counselor with no experience?
Yes, many employers hire candidates with no formal direct care experience if you can demonstrate reliability, comfort working with vulnerable populations, and a willingness to complete required training. Volunteering at a group home, crisis line, or disability services organization, completing a human services certificate program, or completing a relevant field practicum all substitute effectively for paid experience when you're applying to entry-level openings.
What does the direct care counselor interview process look like?
Most direct care counselor interviews involve a phone screen followed by one or two in-person rounds. Expect situational questions about de-escalation, boundary-setting, and mandatory reporting obligations. Some employers conduct a brief tour of the facility or shadow shift so you can observe the environment before accepting an offer. Background and reference checks typically run after a conditional offer and before your start date.
Where can I find and apply to direct care counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to direct care counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience, preferred population, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 41 Direct Care Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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