DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3

Full Job Description

DSHS ESH – Psychiatric Social Worker 3
Join our team at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, as a Psychiatric Social Worker 3. In this vital role, you will provide specialized social work services to patients on the Gero-psychiatric Unit, applying professional values, principles, and techniques within a recovery-oriented framework. Your work will support individuals living with serious and persistent behavioral health conditions and/or co-occurring disorders, helping them move forward in their treatment and recovery.

About Eastern State Hospital
Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.



Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and maintain accurate documentation per hospital and departmental guidelines.
  
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) team on treatment planning, problem-solving, and discharge planning.
  
• Serve as the primary contact for families, Behavioral Health Organizations, liaisons, and community providers to share information, coordinate care, and address barriers.
  
• Facilitate patient meetings and therapeutic groups as part of the hospital’s active treatment program.
  
• Arrange and coordinate referrals and resources to ensure housing, financial, and aftercare needs are met prior to discharge.
  
• Prepare reports, complete court-related requirements, and provide testimony when requested.
  
• Represent the social work department on committees, provide backup coverage for colleagues, and complete mandatory trainings.
  

What we're looking for:

• Understanding of group behavior, dynamics, and therapeutic approaches.
  
• Skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
  
• Knowledge of behavioral health issues, recovery principles, and psychotropic medications.
  
• Familiarity with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of universal precautions and infection control practices.
  
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively with patients in challenging situations.
  
• Strong teamwork and communication skills with patients, families, peers, and professionals.
  

Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:

• A Master's degree from approved school of social work.
  AND
  
• Two years of experience in counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions.
  

Note: A degree in social work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Additional information:

• 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.
  

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  

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.

Questions?
Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 08313.

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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