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Posted: January 7, 2026 (7 days ago)

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DSHS SCC Psychologist 4

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$117,120 - $157,536

per year

Closes

January 29, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a psychologist at a secure facility on McNeil Island, helping individuals with sexual disorders and personality issues through group sessions, one-on-one therapy, and team meetings to support their treatment and reduce risks to the community.

It's ideal for licensed psychologists or those close to licensure who enjoy leading clinical teams, supervising staff, and applying evidence-based methods in a forensic setting.

The role offers growth opportunities, including training for new professionals, but requires commuting via ferry and a commitment to an inclusive, safety-focused environment.

Key Requirements

  • Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited institution
  • Eligibility for licensure as a psychologist in Washington State (or ability to obtain within training period)
  • Three years of post-doctoral experience in psychology
  • At least one year of experience supervising professional psychologists
  • Experience in forensic, mental health, or correctional settings (preferred)
  • Ability to provide clinical leadership to staff and interdisciplinary teams
  • Willingness to commute to McNeil Island via ferry

Full Job Description

DSHS SCC Psychologist 4


Do you enjoy providing meaningful assistance to those in need? Are you looking for a great opportunity to further your career in psychology?

The Special Commitment Center (SCC) (Part of the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration or BHHA) is seeking a Psychologist with experience or desire to work with individuals with various paraphilias and personality disorders to join their dedicated team on McNeil Island.

The Special Commitment Center is committed to providing evidence-based treatment to reduce recidivism and increase public safety.

We are looking for teammates who share our vision and who are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters growth while promoting engagement and safety, leading to better outcomes for our agency, our clients, and our community.

Whether you are an experienced clinician and supervisor, or just getting started in the field, we have a spot for you.

This role allows the opportunity to gain experience as a clinician and supervisor with the support of other team leaders and program managers.

Those who are not yet licensed can be hired with an In-Training period that provides those with a doctorate degree the ability to acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as a Treatment Team Lead and provide the opportunity to begin supervising clinicians, both administratively and clinically.

During the In-Training period, you'll become familiarized with the SCC organization and be exposed to work within an evolving treatment program that focuses on evidence-based practices, research-based interventions, and approaches.

The position requires traveling to and from McNeil Island on a ferry. The ferry ride is considered commute time and not a paid portion of the work day. The ferry schedule may be impacted by severe weather and/or tides.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. 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:

  • Develop and lead evidence-based treatment groups
  • Provide individualized 1:1 intervention to selected clients
  • Attend, lead, and contribute to resident treatment team meetings, conferences, or debriefs
  • Administer and score testing to inform treatment recommendations
  • Complete electronic documentation of individual treatment sessions, observation reports, incident reports, and other official documentation
  • Develop case conceptualizations for use in development and implement individualized treatment planning
  • Participate in depositions and, if required, testify as a fact-witness

What we're looking for:

  • Professionals with a Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology eligible for licensure in the state of Washington;

AND
  • Three years of post-doctoral psychology experience, including one year of experience supervising other professional psychologists;

OR

This job can be filled as a Psychologist 3 for those not licensed in the state of WA, based upon applicant's experience and previous education to pass WA's licensure exam within this specialized field.

Salary ranges for people hired into the Psychologist 4 training program range from $7043- $9476 per month, as a Psychologist 3.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • Ability to provide clinical leadership and direction to clinical staff and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Experience planning and implementing individual and group interventions for individuals in a forensic, mental health, or correctional setting.
  • Knowledge of sex offense specific treatment outlined by the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA).
  • Knowledge of treatment adaptation needs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • Ability to collaboratively, professionally, and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and prioritize work, and willingness for flexibility.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population.
  • Ability to maintain firm and professional boundaries
  • Adherence to SCC and DSHS policy, legislation and/or law changes that may affect current licensure and/or registration requirements

To Apply:

  • Complete our online application and attach your resume or CV.
See why people like you choose to work with DSHS:


What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Social and Health Services, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks may also include:

  • Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
  • 12 paid holidays a year
  • Generous retirement plan
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Assistance
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Ferry transportation from Steilacoom to McNeil Island and so much more!
While working at the Special Commitment Center you will also have regular opportunities for supervision, consultation, and training to increase your clinical expertise and explore areas of interest. This can include supervision toward various licensures including CSOTP and accrual of post-doctoral hours.

Questions? Email Kathy.Simmons@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 00040.

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.




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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.


E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security


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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/7/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/8/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5186155