DSHS BHA Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 2

Description

DSHS Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 2

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youth? Step into a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health care for children and adolescents with complex needs. As a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 2 (PCCC2) at our Ketron Cottage location in Lakewood, WA.

PCCC2 performs duties under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 3 (PCCC3). PCCC2s are assigned to the cottages within the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC). The PCCC2 serve as a shift lead for line staff members (PCCC1), who work as part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for implementing and providing treatment, counseling, and supervision for severely emotionally, behaviorally, and psychologically disturbed children and adolescents in a psychiatric hospital. Models evidence-based practices, counseling, and treatment services in an assigned caseload of youth and their families. Manages a caseload of one to four youth under close supervision: supervising youth for compliance with program, treatment plans, Joint-Commission and CMS requirements.

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

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 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Some Of What You'll Be Doing

• Lead daily patient care and supervision, managing a small caseload of youth, overseeing PCCC1 staff, and ensuring a safe, therapeutic milieu using evidence-based practices like PBS, DBT, and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Provide direct care and crisis intervention, including counseling, daily living support, de-escalation, and physical interventions when necessary, while ensuring patients’ rights and dignity are maintained.
• Coordinate and assign shift responsibilities, manage staffing levels, lead cottage activities, and supervise patient transport to appointments and activities on and off campus.
• Document patient progress and incidents according to policy and regulatory standards, including treatment updates, safety checks, shift logs, and mandatory reports of abuse or neglect.
• Communicate and collaborate with treatment teams, families, and external partners, maintaining regular updates on patient progress and ensuring alignment on treatment goals.
• Mentor, guide, and train staff, including onboarding new hires, role modeling professionalism, participating in staff evaluations, and providing ongoing development in therapeutic approaches and crisis management.
• Participate in leadership and quality improvement activities, assisting with patient discharges, engaging in interdepartmental meetings, contributing to hiring panels, and providing leadership support in the absence of PCCC3 supervisors.
  
  

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for in an applicant:

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions, including communication over handheld radios, and demonstrate basic computer skills such as word processing and web browsing.
• Effectively engage with children, adolescents, families, healthcare workers, and community partners, using strong interpersonal and communication skills to support patient care.
• Physically capable of participating in and supervising patient activities, including recreational outings and hands-on interventions, with the strength and endurance to respond to crisis situations when necessary.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health concepts, interpersonal dynamics, and community resources, applying these to patient care and support.
• Skilled in counseling, de-escalation, and crisis intervention, able to motivate and guide patients, maintain organization under pressure, and communicate professionally and effectively in diverse settings.
  
  

Who Should Apply

A Bachelor’s degree with a major study in Social Sciences, Education, Recreation, Psychology, or related field AND one year of social service experience.

OR

Two years as a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 1.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

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? Please contact jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-01845.

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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