DSHS Lake Burien Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2

About the role

Join our team as a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 at the Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility in Burien, Washington, where you'll play a meaningful role in helping youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex behavioral health needs build the skills they need to thrive.

Designed specifically for children and youth, our therapeutic facility offers onsite educational services, therapies, and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces that support healing and growth.

In this role, you'll provide hands-on support with daily living activities, model positive behaviors, implement evidence-based practices, and coach, teach, and mentor youth as they develop healthy coping skills and greater independence.

Working alongside a dedicated clinical treatment team, you'll help create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where every young person has the opportunity to grow, build confidence, and move toward a brighter future.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

We Are Searching For Professionals With A Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Social Sciences, Education, Recreation, Psychology, or related field.

OR 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.

OR An equivalent combination of education/experience totaling four or more years

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

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.