DSHS Fircrest Adult Training Specialist 2

About the Department

DSHS Fircrest – Adult Training Specialist 2 
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), is hiring Adult Training Specialist 2s at Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline, WA. We are hiring for permanent and non-permanent positions. As part of the application process, you'll be asked to indicate which employment type(s) you're interested in.

In this role, you'll provide individualized training and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an Intermediate Care Facility, helping people build skills, participate in meaningful activities, and reach their personal goals. Working under the direction of an Adult Programs Supervisor, you'll be part of an interdisciplinary team that provides person-centered training and support in classroom, vocational, and community settings.

Some of what you will do

• Provide individualized and group training to people with developmental disabilities in vocational readiness, daily living, communication, social, behavioral, safety, and community skills.
• Implement training activities based on each person's Individual Habilitation Plan and facilitate activities tailored to individual needs, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Teach and support people in developing skills that promote independence, personal choice, dignity, safety, and participation in classroom, vocational, and community settings.
• Provide physical support and assistance with personal care needs, including hygiene, diet plans, and other supports while maintaining each person's dignity and safety.
• Monitor and document progress, behaviors, and other information; contribute observations and recommendations to individualized training plans and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized classroom, training, vocational, and habilitation areas, including setting up and cleaning up activities and equipment.
• Use email and state databases to document program information, complete assessments, and communicate information with the interdisciplinary team.
  
  

Who should apply?
We are looking for dedicated professionals who meet one of the following experience requirements:

• One year of experience as a vocational trainer working with people with disabilities in a community employment program or sheltered workshop.

OR

• One year of experience as a teacher's aide or paraprofessional in a special education or exceptional student services classroom within a school district.

OR

• Two years of experience as an Attendant Counselor.

OR

• One year of experience equivalent to an Adult Training Specialist 1.

AND

• A total of 15 college-level credit hours in at least two of the following areas. Courses must be 100-level or higher:
  • English
  • Psychology
  • Education or Special Education
  • Human Services

These positions may be filled at the Adult Training Specialist 1 (In-Training) level. This option requires a high school diploma or equivalent education or experience and successful completion of the Adult Training Specialist in-training plan.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in developing everyday skills while respecting personal choice, rights, dignity, and quality of life.
• Experience in providing person-centered training and support related to daily living, vocational readiness, communication, social interaction, safety, and community participation.
• Knowledge of techniques used in the care, treatment, and support of people with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to provide compassionate support and follow individualized training, care, and behavior support plans.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and contribute observations and information to support individualized training programs.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, apply established procedures, and accurately maintain records and reports.
• Ability to use a desktop computer and Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook and Word.
  
  

Additional information

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• 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.
  
  

About Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center
Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center, located in Shoreline just north of Seattle, provides residential support to approximately 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1959, Fircrest has evolved from a medical model to a person-centered approach that focuses on promoting independence and community integration. The center offers specialized nursing care and habilitative services funded in part by programs regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fircrest’s location provides residents access to major medical and educational facilities, as well as opportunities to engage in a variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities in the Seattle area. 



Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions? 
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [email protected] and reference job number #07865.


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.

Other Qualifications

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 here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov