DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2

About the Role

DSHS Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood is seeking caring, dedicated professionals to provide counseling services to resident adolescent patients with behavioral health diagnoses. You will work in one of four "cottage" settings, each serving a specific age group, as part of a multi-dimensional care team. Your role will focus on assisting youth in developing social skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills to support their transition back into their communities.

Both permanent and on-call opportunities are available. On-call positions offer schedule flexibility with advance notice (typically a month ahead) and may provide up to full-time hours during scheduled weeks. These roles are ideal for gaining valuable evidence-based counseling experience in an in-patient setting.

Multiple vacancies are available at the Orcas, Ketron, San Juan, and Camano Cottages. Resident patients live in age-specific cottages with private bedrooms and shared day areas, including kitchens and dining rooms. Admissions may result from forensic issues or CLIP referrals.

Opportunities performed on-site at least three days a week may qualify for an additional 5% premium pay. Pierce County employees are eligible for an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work as a team member to de-escalate behavioral health issues calmly and non-threateningly.
• Understanding of normal and abnormal growth and development, interpersonal relationship dynamics, mental health concepts, and community resources.
• Knowledge and application of behavioral approaches such as Positive Behavioral Support, Life-Space Crisis Intervention, and Developmental and Dialectical Therapy techniques.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Opportunity for an additional 5% premium pay for roles performed on-site at least three days a week.
• Pierce County employees eligible for an Orca Card for transportation needs.

For questions, email kris.george@dshs.wa.gov or call the Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810, referencing job number 2025-08153.