DSHS WSH Psychology Services Supervisor -Psychologist

Full Job Description

Western State Hospital (WSH) within the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a Psychology Services Supervisor to join the team in Lakewood – Pierce County, Washington.

This position of Psychology Services Supervisor is a senior leadership position that reports to the Director of Psychology and Rehabilitation at Civil Center of Excellence (CCE) within Western State Hospital (WSH).

The Western State Hospital’s Civil Center of Excellence is an 11-ward, 287-bed, secure inpatient psychiatric hospital, located within the overall structure of the 745-inpatient facility, in Lakewood, WA.

This position is essential to ensuring patients receive psychological evaluations, assessments, and treatment that are best-practice, evidence-based, and that meet the conditions of participation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This position fulfills a critical role in promoting patient recovery and transforming lives by overseeing the clinical standards of care delivered by psychology staff.

It encourages the participation of every discipline in the resolution of clinical/legal issues as they arise.

The position supports the mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives of Western State Hospital.

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

Some of what you will do.

• Hire and train new psychology staff and supervise psychologists.
• Ensure psychologists maintain appropriate standards of care, consistent with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and State licensing requirements.
• Provide leadership and clinical support, and direct behavioral plans.
• Establish psychology practice improvement initiatives, develop action plans, track progress, and complete annual assessments.
• Manage and ensure civil commitment and related court processes occur as required.
• Oversee unit psychology quality assurance program.
• Set agendas and lead psychology meetings, participate in the management team/initiatives, and on hospital-wide committees and workgroups.
• Provide organization and clearly articulate the vision of the therapy unit by supporting employees and finding ways to boost morale; encourage employees to speak candidly about solutions they would like incorporated.

Who should apply
Professionals with:

• A PsyD or PhD in psychology from an accredited university.
• And a license to practice as a Psychologist in the State of Washington or eligible to obtain a Washington State license prior to hire.
• And 3 years of applied post-licensure experience and demonstrated psychotherapy, psychological consultation, and psychological assessment skills.
• And 1 year of post-doctoral supervisor experience.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Forensic psychology experience
• Supervisory experience
• Apply and teach evidence-based psychological practices, a core understanding of psychiatric recovery principles.
• Knowledge of the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Code
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse staff and patients to accomplish the Center's mission.

Interested? To Apply:

Please complete an application and attach the following:

• A current resume
• Letter of interest, outlining how your qualifications match what we are looking for
• Three professional references with current contact information

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 about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 00790.

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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