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Posted: March 20, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS WSH Cosmetologist

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$18.33 - $24.23

per hour

Type

Closes

April 6, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a cosmetologist at Western State Hospital, where you'll give haircuts, shaves, and basic skin care to adult psychiatric patients in a caring, hospital-like setting to help them feel better about themselves.

It's not like a regular salon; you'll work with nurses and therapists to provide grooming services with kindness and respect.

A good fit would be someone licensed in cosmetology with experience, who is patient, compassionate, and comfortable in a mental health environment.

Key Requirements

  • Valid Washington State Cosmetology License
  • At least one year of cosmetology experience
  • Expertise in caring for various hair types and adapting treatments to individual needs
  • Knowledge of Washington state laws and regulations on salon and cosmetology services
  • Strong compassion, patience, and professionalism in interactions with vulnerable patients
  • Ability to document services, report medical issues, and maintain safety protocols
  • Skills in organization, inventory management, and teamwork with interdisciplinary staff

Full Job Description

Western State Hospital - Cosmetologist

Do you believe in the power of a fresh haircut, a kind conversation, or a little self-care to brighten someone’s day? Join our team at Western State Hospital as a Cosmetologist (Personal Services Specialist 2).

This isn’t a typical salon. The people you’ll serve are adult psychiatric inpatients. Many have been through long journeys. You’ll provide personal grooming services with dignity and kindness, working in a clinical setting alongside nursing and therapeutic staff.

If you’re looking for a meaningful job where your talent goes beyond appearance to true connection and care—this is it.

Please note: The anticipated schedule for this position is Monday-Friday 7:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

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

Some of what you'll do:
  • Cut and style hair.
  • Provide grooming services such as beard and mustache trims and shaves.
  • Offer basic skin care services like cleansing and moisturizing treatments.
  • Document patient response to cosmetology services.
  • Report potential scalp or skin conditions to the medical team.
  • Follow department and facility safety practices in all interactions with patients to maintain safety.
  • Maintain inventory of cosmetology supplies and equipment.
  • Schedule appointments, track the cosmetology needs of clients, and retain client records.
  • Keep workstations, tools, and supplies clean and sanitized, following health and safety standards.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
  • Cosmetology expertise – You are trained in caring for a variety of hair types and know how to adapt treatments for individual needs. You will serve as a knowledge expert on WA state laws and regulations related to salon and cosmetology services.
  • Compassion – You understand that grooming is about more than appearance. It’s about helping people feel better about themselves.
  • Professionalism – You uphold hygiene and licensing standards. You maintain a professional demeanor and professional boundaries in interactions with patients and staff. You maintain a safe and calm environment.
  • Patience – You can handle emotional or behavioral challenges with calm, clear communication.
  • Flexibility – You willingly adapt your services to each patient’s abilities, needs, and comfort level. You willingly adapt your services to the realities of an inpatient psychiatric setting.
  • Attention to detail – You follow care plans and safety protocols carefully to avoid injury or distress.
  • Teamwork – You are excited to work with an interdisciplinary team, including psychiatrists and counselors, to best meet patient needs.
  • Organization – You track appointments, manage supplies, and keep spaces neat.
  • Cultural humility – You respect every person’s background, identity, and personal preferences.
Who should apply?
Professionals with a valid Washington State Cosmetology License.
AND
At least one year of cosmetology experience.

To obtain your license in Washington State Cosmetology license click HERE.

Interested? Apply today!

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@dsha.wa.gov nd reference job number 04910.



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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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/20/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/21/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5277833