What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS BHA Psychology Associate position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
Join our team as a Psychology Associate at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA.
Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed, or adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. Treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.
The Psychology Associate is an integral position that will be responsible for facilitation of group sessions, delivery of psychosocial interventions to assigned residents, delivering evidence-based group and individual therapies, creating flexible group materials appropriate to the acuity of the resident population, engaging in resident social skills or activities, conducting assessments such as the Columbia suicide risk assessment, integrating resident interests into group sessions, and promoting effective interpersonal skills in the treatment milieu. Residents will require individual sessions with a Psychology Associate to address treatment targets identified by the team. The Psychology Associate will function as a key member of an interdisciplinary treatment team that includes medical, psychiatry, nursing, psychology, social work, and institutional counselors.
Maple Lane is a key business unit of DSHS's Behavioral Health Administration, where our dedicated staff offers residents enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
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.
Some of what you will do
- Obtain historical psychosocial documentation through records requests of past treatment.
- Participate in treatment teams as assigned and contribute observations and treatment response data to help formulate resident conceptualizations and treatment plans.
- Engage residents in social skills activities when indicated.
- Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure residents are appropriately oriented to facility.
- Understand and apply established treatment models to resident care.
- Contribute to integrated treatment plans by helping to formulate treatment goals.
- Provide group sessions utilizing evidence-based and clinically promising clinical practices to assigned residents.
- Conduct individual therapy-based sessions at a minimum of one session per month, but ideally as needed in consultation with the treatment team to promote progress and stability.
- Monitor resident progress regarding established treatment goals and documents in progress notes.
What we're looking for
-
A master's degree or higher in psychology, social work, behavioral health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a related field from an accredited school;
And - Ability to obtain registration as an Agency Affiliated Counselor or other superseding credential (i.e. LMHC/A, LMFT/A, etc.)
Skills/Abilities:
- Working knowledge of behaviorism, cognitive and related therapies, and other clinical modalities. Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
- Knowledge of RTF, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
- Ability to work with difficult or angry residents in a therapeutic and non-threatening manner.
- Ability to work as a team member and resolve personal conflicts in a calm and respectful way.
- Effectively communicate with management, peers, residents, and the public to carry out the assigned duties.
Why Join Us? We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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 00952.
Supplemental 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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