DSHS WSH Psychologist

Overview

Are you looking for a meaningful career in forensic psychology with room to grow, job stability, consultation opportunities, and a chance to work within a multidisciplinary team? If you are passionate about working with people who experience severe behavioral health issues, we have a spot for you! Western State Hospital's Civil Center of Excellence, located on the historical Fort Steilacoom Campus and currently under expansion.

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 are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

The psychology resident is responsible for providing direct psychological/forensic services to patients on the ward, including psychological case conceptualization, contributing to behavioral plans, supporting active treatment management and forensic work including evaluation for civil commitment, conditional release, or less restrictive alternative petition writing, and court testimony. Additional duties include participation in multidisciplinary treatment conferences, contributing to treatment plans and participation in ward and discipline-specific meetings.

• Collaborate with the Treatment Team to construct/implement individualized treatment and behavioral plans.
• Provide clinical consultation on psychological principles regarding behavior and recovery to treatment team members in the application of proposed treatments for patients assigned to the ward.
• Attend and participate in case consultations on patients needing administrative clinical review prior to obtaining grounds privileges, authorized leaves of absence, or discharge.
• Conduct psychological assessments and write related reports as needed or required.
• Conduct evaluations for civil commitment, conditional release, and less restrictive orders.
• Provide court with petitions, affidavits, letters, or other required documents.
• Provide expert testimony in support of psycho-legal opinions regarding diagnosis, grounds for commitment, and placement readiness under direct & cross examination, relying on established psychological principles, facts, and functional data.
• Upon admission or transfer, identify patients who meet the legal criteria for discharge review.
• Complete all documentation of patient care.

Who should apply?
Professionals with a Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology and one year of postdoctoral psychology experience, preferably working in an inpatient or forensic setting with a severely behavioral ill population.

Individuals with formal training in evidence-based treatment modalities or forensic/psychological testing are preferred.

Individuals must obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential.

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.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Chris Pulley ley.gov and reference project number 00768.

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…