DSHS DDA Physical Therapist Specialist

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services' Developmental Disabilities Administration Yakima Valley School seeks a Physical Therapist Specialist to lead therapeutic activities for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, promoting confidence and daily living skills.

You will collaborate with medical staff, direct therapy plans, coordinate with teams, and mentor staff while maintaining compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a Physical Therapist or ability to obtain WA license by hire date.
• 2½ years of work experience in physical therapy after graduation from an accredited PT program.
• Completion of applicable training or education in a specialty PT service or an additional two years of general PT education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialty service programs and provide assessment and treatment in areas such as custom wheelchair acquisition, providing in‑service programs and community training programs in clinical specialty areas.
• Plan and direct physical therapy for residents who have developmental disabilities.
• Coordinate with medical and other staff to align PT programs with related treatment programs and patient treatment.
• Requisition and distribute therapy materials and equipment.
• Interview incoming clients to explain the value of treatment activities, write progress assessments, and perform screening to determine PT needs.
• Perform resident assessments as required.
• Provide training and consultation to staff and providers around specific resident issues.
• Help train and direct medical staff and Adult Training Specialists as necessary.

Skills

Professional license

Education

Accredited Physical Therapy Program

Job description

Overview

If the thought of creating meaningful experiences and opportunities for growth through fun activities sounds like your dream job, we want to hear from you! The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Yakima Valley School is looking for a Physical Therapist Specialist who is ready to make a difference in the lives of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

In this role, you’ll create and lead therapeutic and recreational activities that help residents build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy daily life at Yakima Valley School. This is a hands‑on role for someone who’s thoughtful, observant, and comfortable supporting others with care, consistency, and respect. If you’re creative, dependable, and enjoy working as part of a team, we’d love to hear from you.

Work hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialty service programs and provide assessment and treatment in areas such as custom wheelchair acquisition, providing in‑service programs and community training programs in clinical specialty areas.
• Plan and direct physical therapy for residents who have developmental disabilities.
• Co‑ordinate with medical and other staff members to align physical therapy programs with related treatment programs and patient treatment.
• Requisition and distribute therapy materials and equipment.
• Interview incoming clients to explain the value of treatment activities, write progress assessments, and perform screening to determine physical therapy needs.
• Perform resident assessments as required.
• Provide training and consultation to staff and providers around specific resident issues.
• Help train and give direction to the medical staff and Adult Training Specialists as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Professionals with a current license to practice as a Physical Therapist (or ability to obtain a WA license by hire date).
• 2½ years of work experience in the practice of physical therapy after graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy Program.
• Completion of applicable training or education in a specialty PT service or an additional two years of general PT education/experience.

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.

Contact

Questions? Email the recruiter, Chris Pulley, at [e-mail] or call 360‑725‑5848; reference 05654.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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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