We are valuABLE.
Find a Job That's Right for You!
The Job Foundation program gives you the skills, support, and experience to enter the workforce with confidence. Your personal job coach will help you find a job, apply, and prepare for interviews. They'll be with you every step of the way.
Meet Your Job Foundation Team
Job Foundation connects you with a dedicated job coach. They’ll work with your family, teachers, and support team to learn about your strengths and goals. Together, you’ll build a personal action plan for employment.
Contact the Yakima Health District at:
dd@co.yakima.wa.us
509-249-6507
How to Get Started
- Students must be ages 19-20
- Have a Washington State ID or driver's License
- Have a Social Security card
- Join before the student's second-to-last year of high school. You cannot join in your last year.
- Request an application from your school counselor or the Yakima Health District
Complete our form to request your application. (Online form coming soon!)
In the next steps, the Yakima Health District will contact students with information about eligible employment providers. After students select an employment provider, each student and their provider will work together to complete their Job Foundation Report.
Job Foundation Report
Your employment provider will meet with you in person, observing school activities and talking with school staff and family to create a report that captures your strengths, capabilities, and goals.
You and your support team will review the report together and decide your next steps.
Learn more:
Resources
- BenefitU - Social Security Benefits Planning for DDA Eligible Adults
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) - Eligibility and Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Job Foundation is a Washington State program that supports students with developmental and intellectual disabilities during their last two years of high school. The goal: a job by age 21.
The program is a partnership between the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), counties, school districts, employment providers, students, and families.
Everyone deserves a chance to earn a paycheck, share their talents, and participate in their community. Jobs are matched carefully, and ongoing job coaching ensures you have everything you need to succeed.
After you submit your application to the Yakima Health District, you’ll receive a response outlining the next steps. If you've already enrolled in DDA, the process is quick.
If not, a DDA application may be required.
You will receive a list of local providers participating in Job Foundation. We recommend interviewing a few agencies and asking questions like:
- Can I help choose the type of job I want?
- How would you help me find the right job?
- How often will we meet?
- How long does it usually take to find someone a job?
- What types of jobs have you placed people in recently?
- Would you continue to help me after I get my job?
- What happens if I have trouble at work or don’t like my job?
Neither the Health District nor DDA can assist you in this process. Your family and care providers are welcome to join these agency interviews. Having support makes a big difference.
Entrust
- 509-453-4756
- Yakima: 213 S 11th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
- Sunnyside: 1614 E Edison Ave, Suite A, Sunnyside, WA 98944
- entrustcs.org
MRJN Associates, LLC
- 509-903-045
- Yakima: 104 S 6th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
- Sunnyside: 1220 Yakima Valley Hwy., Suite B, Sunnyside, WA 98944
- mrjnwa.org
Trillium Employment Services
- 253-735-1553
- 1101 W Yakima Ave Ste 101, Yakima, WA 98902
- trillium.org
Ability Employment
- 509-443-3359
- 105 S 3rd St, Suite 104, Yakima, WA 98901
- abilityemployment.net
Compass Career Solutions
- 509-251-3020
- 1440 N 16th Ave Suite 2, Yakima, WA 98902
- careersbycompass.com
Thank you to all our partners!
