DSHS WSH Psychologist

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking Psychologists to join Western State Hospital in the Civil Ward. The role involves providing comprehensive psychological services, developing behavioral programs, and offering clinical leadership in a high-need inpatient setting.

Candidates should have a PsyD or PhD in Psychology, with preference for those with forensic experience, and the ability to deliver evidence-based therapies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Professional experience working with patients with severe mental illness, preferably in an in-patient setting.
• Knowledge and experience using a variety of behavioral interventions is preferable.
• Forensic experience is preferable.
• Ability to provide evidence-based psychological programming and treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological services and behavioral programming on a civil commitment ward for adult patients.
• Develop behavioral treatment programs and consult with staff for consistent patient care.
• Provide clinical oversight of ward programs, individual and group therapy, treatment planning, and staff training.
• Provide psychological and risk evaluations.
• Attend and participate in treatment teams and meetings.
• Conduct evaluations for civil commitment, conditional release, and related court documentation.

Skills

Therapeutic relationship

Evidence-based programming

Oral & written communication

Team collaboration

Forensic evaluation awareness

Education

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD in Psychology

Job description

DSHS WSH Psychologist

Join our dedicated team as a Psychologist at Western State Hospital (WSH). We have multiple positions available in our Civil Ward for Psychologists.

This is an ideal environment to use your psychological expertise in evaluation and treatment to make an integral contribution towards safe and positive outcomes for staff and patients. Cases here are frequently complex and require staff to work as a team. The diversity of the patient population and the variety of job assignments keeps the work interesting. We are not for profit and are motivated by the desire to serve our patients.

Look forward to a collegial work environment and becoming an integral member of an essential team of Psychologists dedicated to promoting recovery and well-being in partnership with the people we serve. This is an opportunity to gain insight into and experience with severe mental illness and the recovery process at one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the United States.

Benefits include job security, a comprehensive medical benefits package, a pension plan, and opportunities for both lateral moves and advancement. You'll also have the support of a manager who stands up for you and all her employees. There is much more offered, let's talk.

Psychologists at Western State provide assessment, evaluation, treatment, consultation, program management, and clinical leadership.

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.

Duties may include:

• Provide psychological services and behavioral programming on a civil commitment ward for adult patients.
• Develop specific behavioral treatment programs, consulting with staff to ensure consistent approaches to patient care.
• Provide clinical oversight of the ward program, individual and group therapy, treatment planning, assessment, and training of staff.
• Provide psychological and risk evaluations.
• Attend and participate in the treatment team, psychology department, and other collaborative meetings.
• Participate in forensic work including conducting evaluations for civil commitment, conditional release, and less restrictive orders, establishing diagnoses, and providing the court with expert testimony and written petitions, affidavits, letters or other required documentation.

What we're looking for:

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD).
• In-training positions are available for unlicensed applicants with doctoral degrees. You must be approved to take EPPP in WA state or have passed EPPP and applied for licensure in WA state
• Professional experience working with patients with severe mental illness, preferably in an in-patient setting.
• Knowledge and experience using a variety of behavioral interventions is preferable.
• Forensic experience is preferable.
• Demonstrated ability to form therapeutic relationships with people who have psychiatric disabilities.
• Ability to provide evidence-based psychological programming, conduct evidenced-based group and individual therapies, apply principles of mental illness recovery, develop effective treatment and behavior plans, provide expert testimony, and establish collegial relationships with multidisciplinary treatment team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Collegial, affable, and broad-minded team member open to learning and personal growth.

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.

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 (Nec...) 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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