DSHS BHHA Psychology Associate

Full Job Description

DSHS BHHA Psychology Associate

Here is your opportunity to positively contribute to helping people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are currently seeking a Psychology Associate to join our team at the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA).

You will serve as a key member of the State Operated Living Alternative (SOLA) Team in Region 3, supporting both the Pierce East program—located in Spanaway, Puyallup, and Graham—and the Thurston program. In this role, you will provide psychological analysis, behavioral analysis, and crisis intervention services, including functional assessment, and the design and implementation of positive behavioral supports to eligible clients. You'll assist in building the capacity and competency of staff and service providers statewide in working successfully with clients who exhibit challenging behaviors.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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.

Some of what you'll do:

• Clinical oversight and provision of psychological services to clients
• Subject Matter Expert in supporting those with co-occurring intellectual and behavioral health conditions
• Conduct and write functional behavioral assessments; design and implement positive behavioral support intervention strategies to assist clients
• Write Positive Behavior Support Plans for caregivers and support staff, including family members; write and review Cross System Crisis Plans
• Determine need and conduct psychological evaluations/assessments
• Direct positive interventions and strategies that assist clients to decrease challenging behaviors and increase pro-social and adaptive functioning
• Attend multidisciplinary client staffing and individualized team meetings
• Train staff and external supports on habilitation goals and plans
• Collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of psychological/behavioral treatment plans
• Identify needs, available resources, and gaps in services available to assist clients, their families, and other supports in managing and mitigating behaviors at home and in the community
• Assist with crisis intervention and collaborative team building
• Provide training, tools, and technical assistance to improve the quality of positive behavior support services in community-based settings

We are looking for professionals with:

• A master’s degree in psychology, or a related field from an accredited school or department of psychology

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Professional experience working with people who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
• Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis
• Knowledge of the principles of positive behavior support, functional assessment, and positive behavior support plan development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation
• Experience in the successful design and implementation of effective behavioral intervention strategies to address complex behavioral issues
• Ability to teach skills to those with behavioral health issues

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00959.

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.

Additional 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.



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