DSHS WSH Psychology Associate

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH Forensic Psychology Associate

Are you looking for a meaningful career in forensics with room to grow, consultation opportunities, and a chance to work within a multidisciplinary team? If you’re caring, curious, and motivated to work with individuals experiencing severe behavioral health challenges, we’d love to hear from you. Western State Hospital’s Gage Center for Forensic Excellence is hiring for a Forensic Psychology Associate.

In this role, you will expand upon your current mental health and counseling knowledge by delving into complex, challenging and diverse cases. You will be exposed to work within an evolving treatment program that focuses on evidence-based treatment modalities and behavior management strategies.

Some of what you will be doing:

• Provide evidence-based individual interventions in alignment with patient treatment plans focused on risk mitigation and helping not guilty by reason of insanity (ngri) patients work towards community discharge.
• Participate in ongoing literature review of current treatment interventions for use with severely mentally ill patients.
• Complete assessments of violence and/or suicidal risk.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan treatment in accordance with hospital and CMS guidelines.
• Serves as the liaison between the hospital and patient, family, significant other, attorneys, interpreters (as warranted), and other persons.
• Provide patient escort if patient privileges include community outings that require PA escort.
• Complete required documentation according to professional, hospital, and federal standards.
• Provide court testimony (where applicable).
• Attend ward, discipline, CFS meetings, and other meetings or trainings as required or assigned.

Who should apply:

• Professionals with a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, school psychology from an accredited school.

Within 30 days of hire, a certification as an Agency Affiliated Counselor in the State of Washington must be obtained or an active WA State license as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

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

• Clinical experience – Preferably two or more years of post-graduate experience providing psychotherapy, ideally with forensic or inpatient populations.
• Evidence-based practice – Formal training in modalities such as motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT to guide treatment.
• Assessment of risks– Ability to administer, score, and interpret psychological and forensic tools to inform safety and treatment planning.
• Adaptability – Willingness to contribute to program changes and continuous improvement efforts.
• Case formulation – Skill in developing conceptualizations and tailoring treatment approaches based on clinical and legal data.
• Legal knowledge – Understanding of court decisions, and state and federal laws related to the civil and criminal commitment of individuals with mental illness.
• Professional communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when consulting or testifying.
  

Why Join Us?

• 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 receive a free Orca card for transportation needs.
• Schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm.
  

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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