DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents facing emotional and psychological challenges? The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3 (PYC3) to join our multidisciplinary team in a leadership role at our Orcas Cottage.

About the role

As a PYC3, you will serve as a shift lead, managing a caseload of one to four youth while guiding and mentoring staff. You’ll ensure compliance with individualized treatment plans and regulatory standards, model evidence-based practices, and support the therapeutic journey of youth in a psychiatric hospital setting. This position works under the supervision of a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 4 (PYC4).

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of one to four youth, supporting treatment teams in delivering services to youth and families with complex needs.
• Lead PYC2 staff in providing situational counseling and mentorship to adolescent and pre-adolescent children in residential cottages.
• Apply evidence-based interventions including PBS, CPI, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care to support youth development.
• Facilitate the development of social, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while assisting youth with daily living activities based on their treatment plans.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by implementing cottage programs and individualized behavior plans, using reinforcement strategies and contingency management.
• Plan, organize, and supervise individual and group activities for youth, including social, recreational, and therapeutic programming.
• Escort and monitor youth during on- and off-campus activities, maintain detailed logs, and ensure compliance with treatment plans and safety protocols.
• Lead PYC2 staff in mentoring families during therapeutic leave and assist with crisis management and de-escalation when needed.
• Document treatment progress, safety checks, and incidents in accordance with CSTC policies, CMS standards, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback to PYC2 staff, participate in hiring panels, and support center-wide leadership in the absence of PYC4 supervisors.

Requirements

• Knowledge of adolescent development, age-specific care, and mental health concepts.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as Positive Behavioral Support, Therapeutic Options, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
• Ability to de-escalate behavioral health situations in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Understanding of interpersonal dynamics and community resources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

We are searching for professionals with one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, recreation, psychology, or a related field, and one year of experience in social services.
• One year of experience as a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2.
• A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge and skills.

An Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Department of Health must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

Schedule

Swing shift (2:30 - 11:00 PM), Sunday through Thursday.

Pay

Evening and night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay.

Benefits

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

About CSTC

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education.