DSHS Lake Burien - Psychiatric Youth Counselor

DSHS Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 - Youth Support Professional

At Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility in beautiful Burien, Washington, our team works to serve youth ages 13 to 17 who have co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities. Facility staff work alongside youth, empowering them to learn self‑care skills so that they can thrive.

As a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2, you’ll help young people learn how to manage big feelings, build healthy skills and feel safe. Some days you will coach them through daily routines. Other days you will help them through hard moments when emotions run high. Every day, you are part of a team that believes growth is possible. You will work closely with a clinical treatment team and support a small group of youth.

You are not doing this alone. You are modeling healthy behavior, using proven approaches and helping create a safe, structured environment where healing can happen.

The facility opened in July 2024 with support from Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families, Washington State Health Care Authority, Multi Care and Seattle Children’s Hospital. The voluntary facility currently can serve up to 12 youth and may eventually expand to serve up to 24 youth. The property was designed with youth in mind and features accessible spaces for on‑site educational services and therapies, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. 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. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

• Assist with activities of daily living based on age‑appropriate approaches, model evidence‑based practices.
• Provide situational counseling, orientation and mentorship to a small caseload of youth.
• Facilitate social skills, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Document behaviors and progress.
• Intervene in crisis situations and use de‑escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Assist in on and off‑campus therapeutic activities.

Those with either:

• A Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Social Sciences, Education, Recreation, Psychology, or related field.
• Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences AND two years of experience working with individuals in a psychiatric, mental health or health care setting.
• Equivalent education/experience.

• Crisis response:
  Apply calm and structured intervention strategies to safely de‑escalate highly emotional or volatile situations.
• Emotional regulation:
  Maintain a steady and nonpunitive approach during stressful interactions with youth.
• Therapeutic modeling:
  Implement evidence‑based approaches under supervision to reinforce positive behavior and coping strategies.
• Activity planning:
  Coordinate and supervise safe, structured activities both on and off campus.
• Adaptability:
  Adjust quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, ngle.gov and reference job number 01315.

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.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the…