State of Washington
DSHS YVS Physical Therapist Specialist
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Physical Therapist Specialist
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! 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.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate specialty service programs and provide assessment and treatment in areas such as custom wheelchair acquisition, provide in‑service programs and community training programs in clinical specialty areas.
Plan and direct physical therapy for residents who have developmental disabilities.
Confers with medical and other staff members to coordinate physical therapy programs with related treatment programs and patient treatment.
Requisitions and distributes 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; and
Completion of applicable training or education in a specialty PT service or an additional 2 years of general PT education/experience)
About the Department 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.
Questions? Email Recruiter, Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov or call 360-725-5848; reference 00132. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Benefits 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.
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' website. 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.
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, Sick Leave, and Vacation: Full‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. They earn eight hours of sick leave per month. They accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Part‑time employees accrue leave on a pro‑rata basis. Detailed leave information can be found on the State HR website.
Updated 01-07-2026
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Work hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate specialty service programs and provide assessment and treatment in areas such as custom wheelchair acquisition, provide in‑service programs and community training programs in clinical specialty areas.
Plan and direct physical therapy for residents who have developmental disabilities.
Confers with medical and other staff members to coordinate physical therapy programs with related treatment programs and patient treatment.
Requisitions and distributes 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; and
Completion of applicable training or education in a specialty PT service or an additional 2 years of general PT education/experience)
About the Department 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.
Questions? Email Recruiter, Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov or call 360-725-5848; reference 00132. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Benefits 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.
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' website. 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.
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, Sick Leave, and Vacation: Full‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. They earn eight hours of sick leave per month. They accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Part‑time employees accrue leave on a pro‑rata basis. Detailed leave information can be found on the State HR website.
Updated 01-07-2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr