DSHS CSTC Chief Clinical Officer

This is your chance to shape psychiatric care for Washington's most vulnerable youth. Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington's only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth – and they are looking for a clinical leader ready to make a lasting difference. Located on a spacious campus in Lakewood and operated by DSHS's Behavioral Health Administration, CSTC serves youth ages 5-17 with severe emotional and behavioral disorders, often complicated by medical, social, legal, and developmental challenges.

Youth live in one of four age-specific cottages for an average of 10-12 months, receiving culturally competent, evidence-based care from an interdisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, recreational therapists, and psychiatric child care counselors – all united by a shared commitment to the kids they serve.

As Chief Clinical Officer, you will provide executive-level oversight of clinical programming across those four cottages, each currently operating uniquely for the population being served. This position also has oversight of the Substance Use Disorder program and the Psychology Evaluators Forensics Clinic. Your mission is to bring consistency, accountability, and a unified clinical vision across all of these areas while managing the fast-moving priorities of a 24/7 facility.

This role is for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, builds trust quickly, and knows how to align people and systems toward a common goal. It is a Monday‑Friday day shift role with up to two days of remote work per week.

Pay range: $159,000 - $164,895 plus a 5% facility premium pay, and an Orca Card for Pierce County transportation.

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD in Psychology
• Active Washington State license to practice psychology
• Five years of direct treatment experience with individuals with severe behavioral health conditions in a psychiatric hospital setting
• Demonstrated success in supervising clinical staff and budget management
• Proven track record of leading organizational change

• Clinical Oversight: oversee treatment and programming across CSTC's psychiatric wards and four residential cottages. Supervise Psychology, Social Work, Treatment/Rehabilitative Services, and the Behavioral Management Team.
• Executive Partnership: collaborate closely with the CEO, Chief Medical Officer, and internal and external stakeholders to maintain quality patient care standards. Standardize evaluation and treatment evidence‑based practices across the hospital.
• Quality & Compliance: lead all clinical‑based quality assurance activities to meet Joint Commission, CMS, and Washington State licensing standards. Manage personnel investigations, incident reports, and patient rights concerns.
• Organizational Leadership: drive short and long‑term goal‑setting. Champion accountability systems and performance measures tailored to each cottage. Support discharge prioritization and cross‑division collaboration.

• Sound judgment and independent problem‑solving – you balance competing priorities without losing sight of long‑term goals
• Clear, confident communication that builds trust across clinical, nursing, and executive teams
• Composure in crisis – you lead with focus and professionalism under pressure
• Working knowledge of evidence‑based practices (CBT, DBT, trauma‑focused approaches) in a youth inpatient setting
• Experience in a collective bargaining environment
• Familiarity with DSHS policies, Washington State licensing standards, WACs, and applicable statutes

Submit your resume and a letter of interest highlighting your relevant experience.

Email kris.george.gov and reference job number 03519.

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.

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…