DSHS WSH Chief Clinical Officer

Overview

Clinical Leader Opportunity like no other, Initial target annual salary: $182,052.

The Civil Center of Excellence at Western State Hospital (WSH) is seeking a Chief Clinical Officer to join the team in Lakewood, WA. The Civil Center provides treatment for people civilly committed for being a danger to themselves or others, including patients with intellectual or developmental delays and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.

You will be a clinical leader providing oversight of clinical programs and supervision to core clinical staff. You will evaluate current processes and provide guidance to improve them. You will hold a key executive leadership role in support of the mission, vision, values and strategic objectives of the Civil Center at WSH, Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

You’ll partner with the Chief Medical Officer to standardize evaluation and treatment conferences across the Center. The Chief Clinical Officer must champion accountability and performance measures tailored to each Center. Administrative responsibilities include overseeing personnel investigations, reviewing incident reports, and handling alleged patient rights violations.

Opportunities performed on-site may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday dayshift, with the ability for some teleworking.

• Plan, develop and direct program operations and service delivery for 11 psychiatric wards, treating civilly committed patients, including those housed in the Habilitative Mental Health unit.
• Provide direct supervision to Psychology, Treatment/Rehabilitative Services, Social Work/Community Services and Behavioral Management Team.
• Provide leadership and support for subordinate supervisors/managers regarding clinical personnel and policy matters.
• Provide oversight to social work in prioritizing discharges.
• Identify short and long-term organizational goals.
• Oversee and direct all patient care and quality assurance activities related to meeting CMS, Joint Commission accreditation standards, and Washington State licensing standards.
• Collaborate with other divisions within the hospital.

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including sound judgment, independent problem-solving, decision-making, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and effective time management.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, lead by example, and provide accurate, constructive feedback.
• Ability to manage emergent and crisis situations while maintaining focus, professionalism, objectivity, and the ability to balance competing priorities and long-term goals.
• Knowledge of psychiatric recovery principles and the ability to apply them in practice.
• Experience managing in a collective bargaining environment.
• Knowledge of DSHS procedures and policies, Washington State licensing standards, relevant WACs, and applicable legal statutes.
• Understanding current forensic and general psychiatry hospital practices, including related safety and security considerations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers and staff to support the hospital’s mission and vision.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of professional integrity and ensuring those standards are upheld by supervisors and staff.

• A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD).
• Licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology (either licensed in another state or received approval from Washington licensing board to take EPPP).
• At least five years of experience providing direct treatment to individuals with severe behavioral health conditions in a psychiatric hospital setting.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of staff and budget management.
• Proven leadership experience along with proven success in leading organizational efforts.

Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible.

Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

A letter of interest demonstrating your experience related to this job and your resume should be…