DSHS WSH Chief Clinical Officer

Full Job Description

Clinical Leader Opportunity like no other, Initial target annual salary: $182,052.

The Civil Center of Excellence at Western State Hospital(WSH) is seeking a Chief Clinical Officer to join the team in Lakewood, WA!

The Civil center provides treatment for people civilly committed for being a danger to themselves or others.

This includes patients with intellectual or developmental delays and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.

We are seeking a clinical leader to provide oversight of our clinical programs and provide clinical supervision to core clinical staff.

A trailblazer who can evaluate the current processes in place and provide guidance, and support to what needs to be improved upon.

In this role, you will hold a key executive leadership role in support of the mission, vision, values and strategic objectives of the Civil Center at Western State Hospital (WSH), Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

You’ll partner with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the manner in which evaluation and treatment conferences are standardized across the Center.

The Chief Clinical Officer must be dedicated to championing Western State Hospital's commitment to developing systems of accountability and measures of performance that are individually tailored to each Center.

Your administrative functions include overseeing personnel investigations, reviewing incident reports, and alleged patient rights violations.

Opportunities performed on-site may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Schedule: Monday through Friday dayshift, with the ability for some teleworking

Some of what you'll do:

• Plan, develop and direct program operations and service delivery for 11 psychiatric wards, treating civilly committed patients, including those housed in the Habilitative Mental Health unit.
• Provide direct supervision to Psychology, Treatment/Rehabilitative Services, Social Work/Community Services and Behavioral Management Team
• Provide leadership and support for subordinate supervisors/managers regarding clinical personnel and policy matters
• Provide oversight to social work in prioritizing discharges
• Identify short and long-term organization goals
• Oversee and direct all patient care and quality assurance activities related to meeting Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Joint Commission accreditation standards, and Washington State licensing standards
• Collaborate with other divisions within the hospital

What we are looking for:

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including sound judgment, independent problem-solving, decision-making, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and effective time management.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, lead by example, and provide accurate, constructive feedback.
• Ability to manage emergent and crisis situations while maintaining focus, professionalism, objectivity, and the ability to balance competing priorities and long-term goals.
• Knowledge of psychiatric recovery principles and the ability to apply them in practice.
• Experience managing in a collective bargaining environment.
• Knowledge of DSHS procedures and policies, Washington State licensing standards, relevant WACs, and applicable legal statutes.
• Understanding current forensic and general psychiatry hospital practices, including related safety and security considerations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers and staff to support the hospital’s mission and vision.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of professional integrity and ensuring those standards are upheld by supervisors and staff.

Who should apply?

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
• Licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology (either licensed in another state or received approval from Washington licensing board to take EPPP)
• At least five years of experience providing direct treatment to individuals with severe behavioral health conditions in a psychiatric hospital setting
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of staff and budget management
• Proven leadership experience along with proven success in leading organizational

About Western State HospitalLocated in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions.

Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible.

Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Interested? pls apply with

1. A letter of interest demonstrating your experience related to this job
2. Resume

This job is classified as a WMS3.

Questions? Please contact reema.goyal@dshs.wa.gov and reference #00977 or call 360-628-7870.

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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