DSHS WSH Psychology Associate

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH – Psychology Associate

Join our team at Western State Hospital in Lakewood as a Psychology Associate. In this clinical role, you will provide direct psychological services to adults with serious mental illness within the Civil Center of Excellence. You will be assigned to a ward where you will deliver individual and/or group therapy while collaborating as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. This position plays a vital role in supporting patient recovery and treatment, reporting directly to the Psychology Services Supervisor.

About Western State Hospital
Located 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.



Some of what you'll do:

• Provide evidence-based individual and/or group interventions and specialized ward programming to patients in alignment with their treatment plans.
  
• Participate in Evaluation and Treatment Conferences (ETCs), shift reports, and Team/Family meetings as assigned.
  
• Collaborate with the treatment team to contribute discipline-specific interventions to interdisciplinary treatment plans and addenda for assigned patients.
  
• Engage in case consultations for patients requiring administrative clinical review prior to grounds privileges, authorized leaves of absence, or discharge.
  
• Complete all required documentation, including treatment plans, addenda, and timely patient charting, following hospital policy, CMS requirements, and supervisor directives.
  
• Attend monthly department and committee meetings as assigned.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Form therapeutic relationships with individuals with psychiatric conditions.
  
• Apply patient-centered treatment, trauma-informed care, recovery, strength-based, and biopsychosocial models.
  
• Develop, implement, and monitor effective treatment and behavioral plans.
  
• Provide evidence-based psychological or behavioral interventions.
  
• Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.
  
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
  
• Assess patient needs and create a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.
  
  

Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who meet the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.
  
• Current registration as a Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor or professional licensure in the State of Washington.
  
  

Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
  
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
• Duties 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.
  
  

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #02458.

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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