DSHS Yakima Valley School Adult Training Specialist 2

Full Job Description

DSHS Yakima Valley School Adult Training Specialist 2

Join us at Yakima Valley School in Selah WA, as an Adult Training Specialist 2 in the Nursing Facility, where you’ll play a vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this position, you will assist in developing and delivering dental services tailored to each resident’s unique needs, as outlined in their care plans and assessments. Whether on the living unit, or out in the community, your work will promote independence, engagement, and overall well-being. This role is essential in helping residents build skills, participate meaningfully in daily life, and enjoy safe, enriching activities both on and off campus.

Please note the core schedule for this position is: Sunday through Thursday 7AM – 3:30PM with Friday/Saturday OFF.

About Yakima Valley School
Yakima Valley School is a state-operated, 24-hour residential facility serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Selah, it offers a range of services through certified Nursing Facility programs. Residents receive comprehensive care that includes medical and nursing support, therapeutic programming, and individualized treatment plans designed to promote independence and quality of life in a home-like setting. Yakima Valley School also offers day programs focused on sensory integration, vocational training, and recreational activities, along with short-term respite services for eligible individuals.



Some of what you'll do:

• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting individualized and group recreation programs, including setting measurable goals based on assessments and care plans.
• Provide a variety of recreation services such as skill-building, social skills training, sensory activities, assistive technology, and relaxation techniques tailored to individual needs.
• Supervise and ensure resident safety during recreational activities and transportation on and off facility grounds, including wheelchair and bus transport.
• Participate in Resident Care Conferences, individual Plan of Care (IPOC) and other interdisciplinary meetings, contributing updates and progress reports as needed.
• Prepare and maintain timely program documentation, including quarterly reports, evaluations, and data tracking.
• Support activity planning by developing outing calendars, suggesting individualized activities, and managing setup, cleanup, and equipment.
• Assist with resident care needs, including hygiene, meals, behavior support plans, and mandatory reporting responsibilities.

What we're looking for:

• Experience with supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions, by promoting skill development, independence, and quality of life.
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviors, emergencies, and safety risks using sound judgment and approved intervention techniques.
• Capable of providing physical support during dental appointments, also including ADLs, wheelchair assistance, and resident transfers using approved methods and equipment.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation techniques and modalities, such as art, music, movement, and occupational or physical therapies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work respectfully in a diverse, team-oriented environment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook) and ability to follow written and verbal instructions effectively.
  
  

Who should apply?
We are looking for dedicated professionals who meet the following requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED and successful completion of 15 job-related college credit hours (see details below)
  AND one of the following:
  
  • One year of experience as a vocational trainer working with people with disabilities in a community employment program or sheltered workshop
    
  • One year of experience as a teacher’s aide in a special education or exceptional student services classroom within a school district
    
  • Two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor
    
  • One year of experience as an Adult Training Specialist 1
    

Required College Credit Hours
A total of 15 credit hours in at least two of the following areas (courses must be 100-level or higher):

• English
  
• Psychology
  
• Education or Special Education
  
• Human Services
  
  

In-Training Option
This position may be filled at the Adult Training Specialist 1 (in-training) level. To qualify, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent education/experience and successfully complete the ATS training plan.

Note: Recreational therapy in this role involves providing individualized assessments and treatment plans aimed at rehabilitation and the development or modification of physical, emotional, mental, or social behaviors.

Additional Information: Work performed on-site at this work location may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• A cover letter describing your experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
  
• A copy of your college transcripts (informal is acceptable)
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08663

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.

Additional 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.