Dshs Direct Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly
Location : Yakima County - Selah, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-05490
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: DDA
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS YVS - Occupational Therapist 3Join our team at Yakima Valley School (YVS) as an Occupational Therapist 3 and make a meaningful impact supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential habilitation setting.
In this role, you will provide occupational therapy assessments, treatment services, staff training, and clinical consultation while collaborating with an interdisciplinary care team to enhance individual independence, quality of life, and therapeutic outcomes. You will also help ensure high-quality, person-centered services through program coordination, policy implementation, and compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
About Yakima Valley SchoolYakima Valley School in Selah, WA, is a certified nursing facility providing individualized care and support for people with developmental disabilities, including individuals with a dual diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental illness. Residents enjoy a safe, home-like environment with access to medical, therapeutic, and recreational services. The campus features comfortable cottages, scenic grounds, and a variety of programs that promote independence and community involvement. The school also offers respite care and crisis stabilization services for individuals and families in need.
Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and monitor progress based on identified needs.
• Provide occupational therapy services and consultation for individuals receiving residential, respite, and crisis support services.
• Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and monitor Individual Plans of Care (IPOC).
• Lead and support therapeutic activities and interventions, including sensory-based programming, adaptive equipment use, positioning, and activities of daily living.
• Train and guide staff on therapy techniques, dining modifications, adaptive equipment, range of motion activities, and individualized support strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation, assessments, quarterly reviews, and progress notes within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with agency, state, and federal standards.
• Coordinate occupational therapy program activities, ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance, and consult with medical providers, therapists, and care teams regarding therapeutic services and supports.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor individualized therapy, habilitation, and dining support programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, assessments, progress notes, and documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Ability to train and support direct-care staff in therapeutic techniques, adaptive strategies, activities of daily living, and individualized care approaches.
• Knowledge of confidentiality standards, mandatory reporting requirements, and applicable policies, procedures, and regulations related to therapeutic services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within an interdisciplinary team environment while demonstrating professionalism, patience, and respect.
• Ability to support individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, medical needs, and challenging behaviors while promoting choice, independence, and quality of life.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and other technology systems to organize work, prioritize assignments, and maintain accurate records.

Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who have:

• Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program, with successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for Occupational Therapists;
• Three years of professional occupational therapy experience; and
• An active Washington State Department of Health Occupational Therapist license.

Equivalent education and/or experience may also be considered.
Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
• 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.

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

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number #05490.
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 Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State suppor