This is the entry level of the series. Under the supervision of higher-level Attendant Counselors and/or the direction of other individuals with specific professional qualifications, writes, implements, monitors, assesses, and revises individualized plans. Develops formal skill acquisition training programs, evaluates the effectiveness of the programs by means of periodic review of client response and modifies the program as necessary within an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or SONF. Writes individualized assessments and functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team and participates in development of the client's annual individualized plan.

Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team: including developing, writing, modifying, and carrying out planned formal (data-based) and informal (non-data based) programs assessing and reporting outcomes; (programs may include activities of daily living, educational, vocational, therapeutic, or behavioral under the direction of an appropriate specialist and under the supervision of a higher level Attendant Counselor); Is trained in and uses sophisticated training techniques designed to teach the clients specified parts of their individualized plan in an ICF/ID setting, or in a SONF, provides directed care for individuals under the direction of nursing services;

Participates with day training, recreation, psychology, and other personnel in training clients' social, recreational, self-help, vocational, and academic skills on and off campus; promotes and maintains a positive reinforcing environment;

Observes, documents, and reports changes in clients' general physical or mental condition or unusual behavior and takes appropriate action to provide client safety, security, and protection from abuse and neglect;

Trains and assists clients in their own self-care including bathing, dressing, grooming and household skills; participates in the care and treatment of clients receiving specialized treatments and services;

Escorts, monitors, participates in and/or trains clients in groups or individually to, during, and from recreational and social activities, vocational training, clinics and other activities in the home, or community;

Checks and inventories client clothing and personal possessions, living unit supplies, and other inventories; completes work orders, maintains client records and other related records, and makes reports;

Provides information on policies and procedures to resident's relatives and/or guardians;

Responsible for ensuring that the residential living unit is maintained in an organized, clean and safe condition;

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of: principles and techniques of behavior management and skill acquisition; philosophy of interdisciplinary team process and procedures of individual habilitation planning; fundamental expressive and receptive communication skills including but not limited to a proficiency in reading, writing, and verbal discourse.

Ability to: utilize professional and specialized skills acquired as an Attendant Counselor; evaluate and apply established procedures and techniques for those portions of the individual plan they are responsible for in accordance with this job specification; carry out assigned responsibilities without direct supervision.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

High school graduation or GED.

OR

One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

Attendant Counselor 1A
Revised October 22, 1974 General revision.
Revised July 1, 1981 (Approved March 12, 1981) Revises definition and minimum qualifications, adds distinguishing characteristics.
Revised October 1, 1982 Revises minimum qualifications, deletes distinguishing characteristics(Approved July 13, 1982), and title change (Formerly Attendant Counselor 1A).
Revised January 11, 1990 (effective April 1, 1990) Revises definition.
Revised February 8, 1990 (effective July 1, 1990) Revises definition, minimum qualifications, and general revision.
Revised July 13, 1990 (emergency basis on June 14, 1990) Revises minimum qualifications.
New class code: (formerly 56780) effective July 1, 2007.

Attendant Counselor 1B
New class (Approved March 12, 1981) Effective July 1, 1981.
Revised distinguishing characteristics November 13, 1981.
October 1, 1982 (Approved July 14, 1982) Abolished.

Attendant Counselor 1
Revised desirable qualifications effective 7/1/2017.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017; 32 increased to 34.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/22/2023, effective 7/1/2023.
Revised definition, typical work and added class series concept adopted 6/22/2023, effective 7/1/2023.