DSHS WSH Cosmetologist

Western State Hospital - Cosmetologist

Do you believe in the power of a fresh haircut, a kind conversation, or a little self‑care to brighten someone’s day? Join our team at Western State Hospital as a Cosmetologist (Personal Services Specialist
2).

This isn’t a typical salon. The people you’ll serve are adult psychiatric inpatients. Many have been through long journeys. You’ll provide personal grooming services with dignity and kindness, working in a clinical setting alongside nursing and therapeutic staff.

If you’re looking for a meaningful job where your talent goes beyond appearance to true connection and care—this is it.

Please note: The anticipated schedule for this position is Monday‑Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 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.

• Cut and style hair.
• Provide grooming services such as beard and mustache trims and shaves.
• Offer basic skin care services like cleansing and moisturizing treatments.
• Document patient response to cosmetology services.
• Report potential scalp or skin conditions to the medical team.
• Follow department and facility safety practices in all interactions with patients to maintain safety.
• Maintain inventory of cosmetology supplies and equipment.
• Schedule appointments, track the cosmetology needs of clients, and retain client records.
• Keep workstations, tools, and supplies clean and sanitized, following health and safety standards.

• Cosmetology expertise – You are trained in caring for a variety of hair types and know how to adapt treatments for individual needs. You will serve as a knowledge expert on WA state laws and regulations related to salon and cosmetology services.
• Compassion – You understand that grooming is about more than appearance. It’s about helping people feel better about themselves.
• Professionalism – You uphold hygiene and licensing standards. You maintain a professional demeanor and professional boundaries in interactions with patients and staff. You maintain a safe and calm environment.
• Patience – You can handle emotional or behavioral challenges with calm, clear communication.
• Flexibility – You willingly adapt your services to each patient’s abilities, needs, and comfort level. You willingly adapt your services to the realities of an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Attention to detail – You follow care plans and safety protocols carefully to avoid injury or distress.
• Teamwork – You are excited to work with an interdisciplinary team, including psychiatrists and counselors, to best meet patient needs.
• Organization – You track appointments, manage supplies, and keep spaces neat.
• Cultural humility – You respect every person’s background, identity, and personal preferences.

Professionals with a valid Washington State Cosmetology License and at least one year of cosmetology experience. To obtain your license in Washington State, visit the Washington State Department website.

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 or 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or