Employment Opportunities

The Arc of King County has highly trained and dedicated professional staff that help to change public attitudes and set standards for quality programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. 

Clearly indicate the position you are applying for in your cover letter and and email it to the contact person indicated in the position announcement. You may also fax or mail to:

The Arc of King County
233 Sixth Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Fax:  (206) 364-8140

Employment Application Form 

Positions currently open:

1. Direct Support Professional DSP
2. Technology and Database Assistant
3. Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator of King County Family Coalition (KCFC)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a staff member of the Arc Supported Living Program and provides one-to-one guidance and support to persons with developmental disabilities who live in their own homes throughout King County. The DSP also participates in weekly team meetings, monthly Supported Living meetings, all staff meetings, and regular consultations with the Coordinator of Direct Support. The DSP is responsible for record keeping and is a contributor in the development of program planning. The DSP works under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of Direct Support (CDS).

Major Responsibilities and Related Tasks 

1. One- to-One Guidance
• Participates in Individual Support Plan (ISP) with the CDS, client and other people chosen by the client, in order to outline goals, objectives and training plans. 
• Assists the CDS to engage the client in the translation and implementation of ISP goals and objectives into relevant activities that focus on the acquisition of daily living skills and promote social and community interactions through "real life" experiences. 
• Schedules appointments at mutual convenience for client and DSP. 
• Complies with policies addressing client rights and responsibilities, client confidentiality and client abuse. 

• Advocates effectively with significant contact services in the client's life: vocational, housing, mental health, DSHS and DDD, Social Security and others, in order to establish, maintain or expand services for the client. 
• Willing to alter usual job schedule as requested by the Program Coordinator to further the aims of the program or agency: meetings during "off hours", and responding to non-scheduled client emergencies. 
• Works cooperatively with parents and other family members. 
• Establishes a positive and considerate relationships with clients, being respectful of values and varying lifestyle of clients by being non-judgmental and non- interfering in all areas, especially where services have not been requested (i.e. areas not identified on the ISP) 
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of supportive communication techniques, asking open-ended questions and employing exploratory probes that identify a client's feelings in conjunction with their behaviors and experiences. 
• Elicits client's ideas and perceptions by being non-directive in order to enhance the individual's ability to identify problems and problem-solving options. 
• Demonstrates an understanding of the differences between the professional and peer/friendship relationships, maintaining the former in order to facilitate the client's potential for self-sufficiency. 
• Provides support in areas where the client does not have or is not willing to use skills that maintain the client in a healthy and safe environment. 
• Intervenes on behalf of the client after determining that rights are being violated or the client is having difficulty getting their needs met by their own efforts. 
• Encourages clients to develop alternative support systems in order to use generic community services. 

2. Client Information Record Keeping 

• Accounts for all direct and indirect client contacts by fulfilling monthly contractual paperwork requirements: monthly summaries, safety reports, goal
  sheets and other documentation as requested by CDS. 
• Gathers information about client's resources and support network and enters said
  information into the client documents. 

3. Use of Supervision and Team Activities 

• Uses individual meetings with CDS to maximize the quality of services to clients by keeping CDS informed about both the progress and problematic areas that have developed. 
• Can demonstrate flexibility in accepting and implementing job assignments and/ or supervisory direction, demonstrates ability to self-initiate job-related activities and following through to completion. 
• Participates in weekly team meetings and is expected to actively contribute to a generally supportive process where case presentations are responded to in a non-judgmental and open manner, and by which the exchange of information and ideas serve to improve the knowledge and problem-solving capacities of the
  DSP. 
• Reports on situations both from the DSP and client perspectives, identifying
  where the problem is most acute from both points of view. 
• Keeps the CDS abreast of emerging or critical situations through the use of voice
  mail on a regular basis. 
• Demonstrates ability to work cooperatively with co-professionals and clerical staff. Is able to work out conflicts with other staff that affect work performance and arranges for consultation from supervisory staff as necessary. Is respectful to all agency staff members and interacts with a sense of teamwork. 

Knowledge and Skills

The DSP must demonstrate an ability to:

1. Respect client rights and confidentiality. 
2. Implement program planning. 
3. Advocate with public agencies in the best interest of clients. 
4. Work cooperatively with the support network of clients. 
5. Complete monthly record-keeping requirements in a timely and legible manner. 
6. Follow through on commitments made to clients. 
7. Effectively use the CDS recommendations and direction. 
8. Be flexible in order to respond to the demands of clients and agency. 

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to those who have:

1. One or more years of experience in providing direct service to people with
   developmental disabilities 
2. Skill in translating and implementing program planning 
3. Demonstrated an ability to advocate with public agencies to benefit the client 
4. An understanding and acceptance of people with various lifestyles and value systems 
5. Bachelor Degree 
6. Experience in Social Services Field 
7. Cultural Competence 

Required Qualifications

1. Washington State Drivers License 
2. Good driving record, reliable vehicle to use on the job and appropriate vehicle Insurance. 
3. Eighteen years of age. 
4. High School Degree. 
5. Able to pass FBI Background Check 

Starting pay is $11.50/hour with benefits. The Arc welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Dian Dare, ddare@arcofkingcounty.org. Position open until filled. To download the full job description, click here. 

2. Technology and Database Assistant

The Technology and Database Assistant will provide technical software, hardware, network and database support to all departments of The Arc (Administration, Outreach, Supported Living, and Fund Development). They will provide assistance in planning overall agency technology capability, usage and budget requirements. They will serve as liaison between any agency consultant and/or any agency staff to achieve optimal capacity and functioning of all things technical at the agency.

Organizational Reporting Relationship

• Department: Administration
• Supervisor: Director of Operations

Job Summary

Essential Functions

Qualifications

Education

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in related field

Minimum Qualifications (or ability to demonstrate qualifications at a comparable level)

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of working intimately with a sophisticated database (preferably Sales force). Proficiency in accurately entering and editing data, designing queries, de-duping, and manual merging of records.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience producing e-communication (e-newsletters, e-vites) using Vertical Response or similar
• Ability to create and edit content on a standard we development platform; comfortable using HRML code
• 1 years’ experience working in a supporting role
• Proficiency in using MS Office Suite
• Good interpersonal communication and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and follow-through, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team
• Takes initiative and is able to prioritize with little supervision

Desirable

• Knowledge of the challenges facing individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families
• Experience working for a nonprofit. 

Salary/Benefits

 This is a full-time hourly position, with a starting rate of $15.43 an hour. The Arc offers a very generous benefit package, including 9 paid holidays, paid personal leave, Medical, optional Dental, Orca pass, Life and Accidental Death and Long Term disability, and 401K plan.

How to Apply

Please email your resume along with a letter of interest to Joane Epting at jepting@arcofkingcounty.org with a “DTA” in subject line. The letter of interest should specifically address how your experience and background relates to the desired qualifications and responsibilities of the position. This position will close June 15, 2013

3. Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator of King County Family Coalition (KCFC)

Job Summary

The Coordinator of KCFC is responsible for organizing parents and others to advocate for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at the state and local level to achieve positive advances in public policy and funding to support community services and supports. Provides leadership and guides families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in advocating effectively for themselves and others. Coordinating activities of KCFC staff and collaborates with other staff within Outreach and Advocacy department, to meet outcomes of the program. This position supports the agency’s efforts to undo institutional racism, build cultural competence, and serve an increasingly diverse population.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Coordinator of KCFC are:

• Supervising, leading and organizing staff team to achieve expected goals and outcomes of the program.
• Coordinating countywide legislative activities of families of people with I/DD
• Supports agency and community partners to achieve collective legislative goals
• Effectively acts as liaison for families of people with I/DD with community groups, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
• Analysis and distribution of relevant information from federal, state and local policy makers, government agencies to families and persons with I/DD on issues that may affect them.
• Acquainted with each state legislator in the district and able to effectively organize constituents to communicate with them
• Represents the views of The Arc of King County and the coalition to the public and elected officials at hearings and meetings.
• Organize and facilitate informational meetings for families across King County and coordinate with existing parent and family groups.
• Manages to program budget
• Completes required program reports
• Integrate anti-racism principles and cultural competence throughout scope of work, and advocate to make information and service system accessible to multicultural families caring for people with I/DD

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed at one time or another. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor of Arts Degree in related field or equivalent.

Minimum qualifications

• Strongly supports the mission, values and policies of The Arc
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills and experience
• A family member of a person with I/DD
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work closely with agency staff, board, and community partners; ability to present information concisely and clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Strong knowledge of government and legislative system and ability to work within it to achieve goals.
• Superior organizational skills including ability to organize large events.
• Expansive knowledge of the developmental disabilities services system and the difficulties individuals with I/DD and their families face.
• Excellent ability to advocate and organize individuals and families throughout the county to take action on issues of importance to them.
• Strong ability to speak publicly and represent The Arc of King County’s mission and represent parents and individuals within the coalition.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, cultural and social backgrounds
• Proficient in using MS Office Suite
• Able to learn and use the agency internal database system to document program activities

OR any combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Prefer King County Resident
• Strongly encourage applicants from multicultural communities
• Maintain prolonged attention and typing in an office environment
• Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
• Able to carry materials and display boards to external locations
• Daily presence in the office during work week to coordinate with other staff, as well as ability to flex schedule and work and travel throughout the county and in Olympia as needed.
• Able to pass a background check
• WA state drivers’ license

Salary

This is a full time exempt position with excellent benefits.

To Apply: 

Submit cover letter and resume with KCFC applicant in the subject line to careers@arcofkingcounty.org

Thank you for your interest in The Arc of King County.