Dental Assistant - Union Gospel Mission of Yakima Wash : Job Details

Job Purpose This position plays a vital role in promoting and embodying the mission, vision, and values of YUGM. This role is responsible for supporting the spiritual and physical care of uninsured and underserved patients by helping create a safe, Christ-centered environment where those who have experienced trauma encounter compassion, healing, and restoration. As part of the Care Center team, the Dental Assistant promotes dental health as a key component of holistic care, contributing to permanent and measurable life transformation. This is a part-time position with the potential to grow into a full-time role in the future. Mission, Vision, and Core Values At YUGM we are committed to our mission of, following Christ in helping people move from homelessness to wholeness, so that every homeless person in Yakima County has the opportunity for permanent life transformation in Jesus Christ. Our mission is rooted in Christian values, and we believe by combining Love + Professionalism, we focus on achieving meaningful Outcomes that transform lives. Relationships are at the heart of our work, guiding how we connect with our clients, our team, and our community. To perform successfully in any role within our organization, employees are expected to exemplify YUGM's Core Values of Love + Professionalism = Outcomes. These competencies are demonstrated in the following ways: LOVE

• Enhance Christ's reputation through personal interactions with others.
• Pursue God personally, relationally, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Be present, authentic, and relationally available in all contexts.
• Demonstrate genuine and sacrificial care for the wellbeing of others.

PROFESSIONALISM

• Be consistently punctual and present at work, meetings, and appointments.
• Meet deadlines and fulfill commitments with thorough follow-through.
• Proactively measure work to ensure continuous learning and improvement.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

OUTCOMES

• Pursue constant growth, learning, and improvement.
• Think creatively, strategically, and spiritually.
• Be regularly sought after for input and value.

• Maintain YUGM's mission clarity and exemplify a Christ-like attitude under stress.

Duties and Responsibilities Cultural and Ministerial Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote YUGM's Christian beliefs and behaviors, core values, policies, and procedures with a high-level of integrity.
• Develop professional, caring, strengths-based relationships built on truth, respect, encouragement, and trust.
• Provide ministry and show kindness and grace to staff, volunteers, clients, donors, and the community.
• Support initiatives that foster a culture of services, compassion, and faith within the workplace.
• Engage in opportunities to pray for individuals, departments, strategic plans and other YUGM needs.

Functional Responsibilities Team Collaboration

• Communicate and collaborate openly to continually improve the guest experience of YUGM's Christian message and ministries.
• Model the three virtues of an ideal team player: humble (motivated by serving others), hungry (driven and passionate), and smart (emotionally intelligent and relationally aware).
• Serve as an active member of the Care Center Dental team, helping to foster a culture of respect, compassion, and excellence.
• Support department managers and directors in solving problems and working together toward the shared mission of helping people move from homelessness to wholeness through Christ.
• Embrace a team mindset, recognizing that having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6a). Lead and serve in a way that honors each person's unique contributions.

Support for Ministry & Leadership

• Assist the Director of Care Center Ministries in cultivating and developing community resources that support comprehensive patient care.
• Personally ensure that your team can rely on you for consistent support, professionalism, and spiritual encouragement.

• Serve in this role as a minister of Christ-demonstrating calling, character, and competence as one who faithfully follows Jesus, stays in step with the Holy Spirit, and honors the Father.
• Carry out your duties with the heart of a chaplain, providing spiritual care to those within your sphere of influence, including patients, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Look for opportunities to lead others in prayer, offer biblical counsel, and model a life transformed by God's love and leadership.
• Make the Care Center a sanctuary of Christian hospitality where each guest is treated as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), loved by Him (Psalm 138:6), and sought by Christ (Luke 19:10).
• Ensure that Care Center staff build personal relationships with guests, helping them experience dignity, respect, and opportunities for spiritual growth through Scripture, prayer, and pastoral care.

Trauma-Informed Care

• Recognize that many guests were not protected as children-model God's trustworthy and caring nature by prioritizing emotional and physical safety.
• Be responsive in emergencies, using training and appropriate protocols to ensure health and safety.
• Collaborate with emergency services when needed for medical or criminal concerns.
• Promote a relational and client-centered culture that avoids coercive behavior, emphasizing a safe and uplifting environment instead.

Patient Care

• Perform all dental assisting duties in accordance with the scope of practice outlined in WAC 246-817-520.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care during visits and follow-up interactions.
• Assist the dentist and dental hygenist with procedures and patient management.
• Record vital signs, dental and medical histories, and clinical observations. Ensure documentation and billing codes are completed accurately and in compliance with clinic standards.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, plaque control, and post-procedure care.
• Comply with Washington State Department of Health regulations for dental practice.

Clinic Effectiveness

• Serve as an interpreter when needed in the clinic.
• Demonstrate an efficient, proactive work ethic.
• Assist with daily clinic operations and logistical problem-solving.
• Communicate well with team members and provide interdepartmental assistance and collaboration when needed.

Performance Standards

• Maintain CPR certification and assist the dentist in managing medical and dental emergencies.
• Stay current in the field by attending continuing education workshops and reviewing professional publications.
• Embrace and reflect the mission of YUGM by providing care that reflects Christ's love, professionalism, and excellence-meeting or exceeding standard levels of care.
• Maintain timely and accurate records, metrics, and proper clinic documentation that support best practices and continuous improvement.
• Maintain clinic responsibilities including space management and equipment maintenance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Include any additional responsibilities not yet listed.
• Attend, as requested or required, all YUGM trainings and meetings scheduled by the management team to keep current on any policy changes, new procedures, and other information essential to performing the job.
• Other duties as assigned in support of YUGM's mission and values.

Qualifications Education and Experience:

• Washington State Dental Assistant Certification.
• Two years of dental assistance experiences preferred.
• Knowledge of Dental Technology, Dental Health Maintenance, Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance.
• Spanish speaking REQUIRED

Proficiencies:

• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to compassionately work with, understand and relate to low-income populations
• Reliable, resourceful, flexible
• Strong organizational skill, high level of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality required
• Able to effectively work with staff and volunteers, Dentists, and interpreters
• Demonstrate personal and work ethic reflecting YUGM's Core Values of Love, Professionalism, and Outcomes.

Working Conditions Primary duties of this position are performed in a well-lit, climate-controlled environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Must be able to handle a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. Some travel between locations required. May require occasional evening or weekend work based on business needs. Physical Requirements

• Visual and auditory abilities to effectively perform job tasks.

• Clear and fluent communication in English and Spanish.
• Sit and review information on a computer screen or on paper for extended periods
• Capable of walking, climbing stairs, balancing, bending, reaching, and using hands for tasks.
• Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.