DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor

DSHS Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood is looking for caring, dedicated individuals who are passionate about supporting adolescents with behavioral health diagnoses. You will provide counseling services to resident patients in one of the cottage settings for a particular age group at DSHS's CSTC. In this role, you will serve with a multi‑dimensional care team assisting the development of appropriate social skills, including problem‑solving and decision‑making skills that each youth will use when they return to their communities.

Working alongside teachers and instructional assistants in a residential setting, you will implement developmentally appropriate approaches to provide treatment, counseling, and supervision to children and youth.

We are hiring for both permanent and on‑call opportunities. When scheduled for on‑call, you usually know your schedule a month in advance and can expect up to full‑time hours during the week(s) scheduled.

• Can give you a great foot‑in‑the‑door to state employment
• The ability to earn supplemental income
• Allow you the flexibility in your schedule for work‑life balance

Whether permanent or on‑call, these are great opportunities for you to gain valuable evidence‑based counseling experience working with children in an in‑patient setting.

We offer a rewarding career and the opportunity to learn and grow. We currently have multiple vacancies at the Orcas, Ketron, San Juan, and Camano cottages available. Resident patients live in one of four cottages determined by age where they have their own bedrooms and a shared day area. Each cottage has its own kitchen and dining room. Admissions are due to forensic issues or CLIP referrals.

Information on all four cottages and age groups is available here. 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.

• Assist the treatment team in providing services to youth and families with a complex range of diagnoses and treatment needs while maintaining a safe, comfortable, therapeutic learning environment.
• Provide situational counseling, mentorship, and individualized behavior plans to adolescent and pre‑adolescent children.
• Facilitate the development of social skills, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Assist and escort youth with activities of daily living, education, recreation, and appointments and provide the abilities to be able to manage their relationships, life events, and daily activities.
• As a member of the Advance Crisis Intervention Team, therapeutically intervene or de‑escalate behavioral issues.
• Provide mentoring and crisis management for parents/guardians.
• Lead therapy groups to improve growth and social skills.
• Provide patients with abilities to manage their relationships, life events, and daily aspects of living to successfully transition back into the community.

• Professionals who have four years of social service experience.
• Or, a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in sociology, education, recreation, psychology, or a related social science field.
• Or, two years of college with emphasis in social sciences, education, recreation, psychology, or related field, plus two years of social service experience (or a combination of both totaling at least four years).
• Ability to complete WA DOH’s Agency Affiliated Counselor credentialing process within 60 days of hire.

• Work as a team member to deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, non‑threatening manner.
• Comprehend normal and abnormal growth and development, dynamics of interpersonal relationships, mental health concepts, and community resources.
• Understand and apply behavioral approaches such as Positive Behavioral Support, Life‑Space Crisis Intervention, and Developmental and Dialectical Therapy techniques.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Interested? Apply today.

Questions? Email kris.george.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line…