Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05983

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: DIETITIAN 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Health, Nutrition

Summary

Help shape how care is delivered — one resident at a time.

Attention Registered Dietitians: This is a role where your clinical judgment directly improves quality of life for individuals with complex, long-term needs.

At Yakima Valley School, you'll sit at the center of care — partnering with clinical teams to ensure every resident receives the right nutritional support, while helping improve how food services operate across the facility.

Yakima Valley School is a state-operated Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) located in Selah, WA, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a structured, clinical setting. The facility operates as a certified nursing facility and provides comprehensive services including medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, psychiatric care, and specialized therapeutic programs. Residents are supported in daily living, community participation, and long-term development — backed by a collaborative team of over 260 staff.

This is a 100% onsite role, based on the nature of care delivery and collaboration required across teams. Opportunities performed onsite at least three days per week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

In this role, you will serve as the facility's Registered Dietitian — ensuring residents receive the right nutritional care while partnering closely with both clinical and food service teams. This role is less about oversight — and more about clinical impact, coordination, and improving how care is delivered through nutrition.

Why this role stands out:

• Direct impact on resident care in a mission-driven environment
• Strong collaboration across nursing, therapy, and food service teams
• Opportunity to improve how nutrition services are delivered across the facility
• Stability and benefits of Washington State employment

If you're ready to step into a role where your clinical expertise is applied daily and trusted across teams — apply today.

Who Should Apply

Professionals with a Bachelor's degree with a major Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, or Food Service Administration, completion of American Dietetic Association approved dietetic education program.

AND

Registered Dietitian status: 24 months of recent full-time experience as a Registered Dietitian.

Note: equivalent education/experience will substitute for all qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Some of What You Will Do

• Assess and evaluate nutritional needs of residents across long-term and crisis stabilization populations
• Develop and adjust individualized nutrition plans based on clinical recommendations
• Partner with nursing, speech, and therapy teams to ensure safe food textures and reduce risk
• Work closely with food service staff to ensure dietary plans are executed effectively
• Support coordination between clinical care and food service delivery
• Contribute to improving processes and systems that impact resident care

To Apply — Include the Following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references with current contact information

Questions? Email Kris.George@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 2026-05983.

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

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