DSHS Yakima Valley School Adult Training Specialist

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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…