Demo

DSHS WSH Institution Counselor 3

State of Washington
Lakewood, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/27/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/8/2025
Western State Hospital has multiple full-time opportunities for Institution Counselors within the Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Centers. Join us and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate while helping shape the future of health services for a safe and therapeutic environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you have the ability to grow and enjoy the work you do. You'll plan, acquire supplies, implement, and review active treatment groups and one-on-one active treatment.

We have day shift jobs available in our Competency Restoration, Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity teams, and Gage Rehabilitation Teams. Any IC3 jobs with weekend shifts will include only one of the weekend days as part of the schedule.

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.

Evening hours include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
 
Some of what you'll do  
  • Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co-leading Active Treatment Groups either on-ward and/or within the treatment mall setting
  • Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addendums, and attendance records 
  • Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence-based treatment for regular occurring events and one-time engagements
  • Attend treatment team and daily team meetings to discuss progress, share input, and provide a strategy for patient treatment
  • Research evidence-based practices and group preparation
  • Order/gather supplies for groups, and escort patients to and from activities and groups
  • Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing court-ordered Staff Escorted Community Outings
 
Who should apply
Those with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in sociology or other social science 
And
Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting

OR 
Equivalent combination of education/experience
 

Employees obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor license from the Washington State Department of Health within 60 days of employment as a condition of employment. More information can be found here.

Desired
  • In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics
  • Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles
  • Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations
  • Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures
  • Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner
  • Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision
  • Understanding of recreation in a psychiatric setting

If you have questions about the application process, email Anthony Distefano, Recruiter, at distear@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00874


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.  

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.


   
 
   
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Salary : $52,920 - $71,148

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