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DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Social Worker 3

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...
Lakewood, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026

Description

Psychiatric Social Worker 3 - Child & Youth Services

Make a direct impact on the lives of youth.

Join DSHS to provide critical social work services from children aged 10-14 in a high-acuity inpatient setting. You'll step in to ensure smooth admissions, treatment planning, and discharge - while supporting a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

In this role, you will:


  • Independently manage intake assessments for youth entering the highest level of state care.
  • Facilitate treatment planning meetings with psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing, and floor staff.
  • Coordinate comprehensive discharge services, ensuring continuity of care for youth and families.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and compliance with state social work standards.
  • Support team workflow during a temporary coverage period, keeping service delivery uninterrupted.
  • Build trust and therapeutic relationships with youth and their families.
You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team committed to positive outcomes for youth. The team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing staff, and social workers - fostering collaboration, shared expertise, and professional growth.

This position is onsite only, for a duration of four months. You will work in a structured, supportive environment focused on high-quality clinical care and timely service delivery.

Apply today to make an immediate difference in youth mental health care.

Who Should Apply
You must meet one of the following:
  • Licensed Psychiatric Social Worker with active Agency Affiliated Counselor Certification.
  • Master's degree in Social Work (CSWE-accredited) with experience working with youth and families.
Some of What You Will Do
  • Conduct youth intake assessments and evaluate clinical needs.
  • Collaborate in multidisciplinary treatment planning.
  • Coordinate discharge planning and community referrals.
  • Document clinical interventions and maintain compliance standards.
  • Provide therapeutic support to youth and families during inpatient care.
  • Ensure smooth transition of care during staff coverage periods.
  • Participate in team meetings to optimize treatment outcomes.
What We're Looking For - Required Competencies
  • Strong clinical judgment in high-acuity pediatric cases.
  • Effective communication with youth, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Independent decision-making and accountability in social work practice.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of state mental health regulations and treatment standards.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience working with youth (ages 10-14) in an inpatient setting.
  • Familiarity with multidisciplinary treatment team operations.
  • Experience supporting therapeutic transitions for high-acuity patients.
To Apply
Click the green "APPLY" button and submit:
  • Your resume
  • Your cover letter addressing required competencies
Questions?
Email recruiter Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02049.

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.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Salary.com Estimation for DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Social Worker 3 in Lakewood, WA
$67,101 to $83,333
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