DSHS ESH Psychology Associate

Full Job Description

Are you looking to further your professional career in the field of behavioral health treatment?

If you are ready to put your master's degree to work and gain valuable experience in an inpatient mental health setting where you have room to grow and learn, this is the ideal opportunity for you.

Join our team at Eastern State Hospital as a Psychology Associate working in our Forensic Competency Restoration Unit.

The Psychology Associate-Competency Restoration (CR) Therapist works with an interdisciplinary team to provide a schedule of therapeutic groups that meet the needs of a diverse population.

The Psychology Associate-CR Therapist facilitates daily group and individual therapy working with patients of a variety of diagnoses and presentations.

You will plan and implement restoration of competency to stand trial programs and participate in planning ward and unit programs. We offer job stability, a meaningful career, and job satisfaction.

This job belongs to the Psychology Associate job class.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 more of what you will do

Primarily provide group-based therapies aimed at restoring an individual’s competency to stand trial through evidence-based interventions (minimum 6 per week).

Treatment interventions target barriers to adjudicative competency including deficits in courtroom knowledge, capacity to communicate productively with an attorney, and capacity to make rational legal decisions.

Opportunities to provide individual therapies on those topics are also available.

Implement the “Breaking Barriers” competency restoration curriculum.

Document patient progress toward treatment goals and make recommendations to treatment teams.

Work with the unit Psychologist who serves as the primary clinical supervisor for the Psychology Associate.

Work with other groups and committees assigned to make recommendations for improvements to support program goals and objectives.

The standard schedule for this position is 8:00AM-4:30PM, but opportunities are available for flexible schedule (e.g. 4/10 schedule, one day of remote work, etc.) following successful completion of the 6-month probationary period.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with a master's degree in Psychology, Social Work or Behavioral Health Counseling from an accredited school or department of psychology.
  AND
• Registration as a WA State Agency Affiliated Counselor or professional licensure in the State of Washington
• A passion for working with people with severe and persistent behavioral health conditions
• Ability to see value in small successes.
• Ability to be creative, flexible, and innovative in group development and implementation.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Clinical knowledge – Understanding of mental illness, recovery principles, and trauma-informed treatment.
• Assessment skills – Ability to evaluate complex situations and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Crisis response – Training in de-escalation and advanced crisis intervention techniques.
• Collaboration – Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to support patient care.
• Communication – Ability to share information clearly with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Leadership – Skill in supervising staff and providing constructive feedback.
• Adaptability – Capacity to respond effectively in high-acuity, fast-changing environments.
• Professionalism – Commitment to maintaining safety, ethical standards, and patient dignity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience facilitating psycho-educational or other therapeutic treatment groups
• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health disorders
• Experience working within a forensic mental health system

Who we are:
Want to know more about Eastern State Hospital? Click on the videos below to meet staff, take a tour, and explore your career.


Interested? Apply today!

Along with your application, please attach the following:

• Letter of interest (up to two pages) specifically addressing the education, knowledge, and competencies you have that will make you successful in this job.
• A current chronological resume or CV.
• Three or more references

Questions? Please contact recruiter Alex Baclaan at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 03008.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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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