DSHS DDA Psychology Associate

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Shoreline (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

King County premium pay

Additional on-site premium for 3+ days

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Psychology Associate to guide adults with developmental disabilities living in SOLA homes in Shoreline. You will study behavior, develop and implement plans, train staff, and coordinate with mental health professionals to ensure safe, independent outcomes.

The role emphasizes direct interventions, data analysis, and cross-program collaboration to address crises before they escalate. Background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology and licensure as an LBA.
• Experience or credentialing as LBA per RCW 18.380.050.
• Knowledge of DDA programs, confidentiality, and cross-systems coordination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and write functional behavior assessments for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate positive behavior support plans.
• Oversee behavior support services for clients with complex needs including mental health conditions and brain injury.
• Direct interventions to reduce harmful behavior and build pro-social skills.
• Train and supervise Psychology Affiliates and SOLA staff.

Skills

Behavioral analysis

Clinical oversight

Data analysis

Supervision and training

Consultation

Communication

Program knowledge

Therap

Education

Master’s degree in psychology

Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential

Tools

Therap

Job description

Psychology Associate

Adults with developmental disabilities living in DSHS's State Operated Living Alternative (SOLA) homes in Shoreline need steady, expert guidance when behavior challenges put their housing and safety at risk. As a Psychology Associate, you'll provide that guidance. You'll study each client's behavior, including complex needs like mental health conditions, additional disabilities, dementia, substance use, or traumatic brain injury, and build a plan that reduces harmful behavior and encourages safer, more independent skills.

Description

Adults with developmental disabilities living in DSHS's State Operated Living Alternative (SOLA) homes in Shoreline need steady, expert guidance when behavior challenges put their housing and safety at risk. As a Psychology Associate, you'll provide that guidance. You'll study each client's behavior, including complex needs like mental health conditions, additional disabilities, dementia, substance use, or traumatic brain injury, and build a plan that reduces harmful behavior and encourages safer, more independent skills.

This work protects people's ability to stay in their homes and communities. When a client's behavior puts their housing at risk, you'll step in early with a plan that addresses what's really going on, before things reach a crisis point.

You'll also build the skill of the people around each client. You'll train and supervise the Psychology Affiliates, model interventions directly for staff, and provide consultation across SOLA programs, ensuring that informed, consistent care doesn't depend on just one person being in the room.

Additional pay incentives (not included in the displayed pay range)

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• 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'll do:

• Conduct and write functional behavior assessments for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Develop, put into action, monitor, and evaluate positive behavior support plans.
• Oversee behavior support services for clients with needs that may include mental health conditions, autism, dementia, substance use, or traumatic brain injury.
• Direct interventions that reduce harmful behavior and build pro-social, adaptive skills.
• Identify service gaps and resources that help clients keep their housing and community supports.
• Use data systems, including Therap , to track and analyze how well treatment plans are working.
• Consult with DDA Field Services staff during crises and help build Cross Systems Crisis Plans.
• Review requests for exceptions to policy or procedure involving restrictive practices and make recommendations.
• Coordinate with mental health providers and other professionals on client care.
• Supervise, train, and support the Psychology Affiliate role.
• Provide training and technical assistance to help SOLA staff improve behavior support services.
• Model behavior support strategies directly for staff in participants' homes.
• Teach evidence-based practices for identifying, measuring, and changing behavior.
• Observe clients and staff in participants' homes to consult on behavior concerns.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff, and resolve performance issues when needed.
• Represent DDA at community and agency meetings.

Who should apply?

We Are Seeking Professionals Who

• A master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology. AND
• Are credentialed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) meeting requirements of RCW 18.380.050 .

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for

• Behavioral analysis: Applies applied behavior analysis and functional assessment methods to build and oversee sound behavior support plans.
• Clinical oversight: Directs behavior support services for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities with complex needs, including mental health conditions, additional disabilities, dementia, substance use, and traumatic brain injury.
• Data analysis: Collects and interprets behavior data using systems like Therap to track whether a plan is working.
• Supervision and training: Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff, including the Psychology Affiliate role, and resolves performance concerns.
• Consultation: Provides guidance to SOLA staff, families, and Field Services during crises and everyday behavior challenges.
• Communication: Builds working relationships with a wide range of people and communicates clearly, in writing and in person.
• Program knowledge: Knows DDA programs, community-based long-term services and supports, and confidentiality requirements.

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 [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure ( Nepotism ) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here . Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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