DSHS WSH Psychiatric Social Worker

DSHS WSH Psychiatric Social Worker 3, Civil Center of Excellence  

Western State Hospital (WSH) is currently seeking a Psychiatric Social Worker to join our Civil Center team. You'll have an opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of disciplines such as nursing, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and community members to support people experiencing behavioral health issues.   

In this role you will provide innovative services, performing psychiatric social work, case management, group therapy, individual therapy and collaborative work with the legal system including the creation of services linkages and discharge planning for our patients who have been civilly committed or who have received a civil commitment after being found incompetent to stand trial.   

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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

• Work within a multidisciplinary team
• Work to coordinate interventions to reduce or eliminate barriers to discharge back into the community. 
• Identify specific risks and work to mitigate those risks in an effort towards patient recovery and to successfully transition patients back into the appropriate community setting
• Educate and counsel patients and their families about behavioral health issues, diagnoses, and prognoses
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapy/psycho-educational treatment in individual and group settings
• Complete initial and ongoing documentation, such as discharge paperwork, psychosocial assessments, progress notes, and formulation of evidence-based treatment plans
• Advocate on behalf of patients and work closely with home and community services, Department of Correction, BHO/MCO/ASO, DDA, HCA, and other community stakeholders
• Present at appropriate hospital case consults and participate in legal hearings

We are looking for professionals who demonstrate

• Ability to work collaboratively with multi/inter-disciplinary treatment teams to formulate individualized treatment goals, assess patient progress towards recovery, and assist with discharge readiness endeavors
• Ability to self-motivate and manage inconsistency in workloads; meet expectations and timelines around quality documentation
• Skill in multi-tasking within a fast-paced environment based upon most pressing needs
• Exceptional ability to form therapeutic relationships with people experiencing mental or emotional health issues, exceptional de-escalation skills
• Ability to provide evidenced-based psychological treatment; understand and apply principles of behavioral health recovery

Who should apply?  

• Professionals with a master’s degree in social work 

• Possess or ability to obtain an agency-affiliated counselor registration 

• An independent clinical social work license is preferred

If you have questions about the application process email Jourdan.Kovacs@dshs.wa.gov and reference 12941.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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 (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.
 

 
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Salary : $80,112 - $107,712