What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS YVS Occupational Therapist 3 position at State of Washington?
Join 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 School
Yakima 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov 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.
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.
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Salary : $5,779 - $7,774