DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3

State of Washington • Medical Lake, WA

415d • $82,512 - $110,940

About The Position

The DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3 position is a full-time role focused on providing substance use disorder counseling within a multidisciplinary team at Eastern State Hospital. The role aims to empower individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, facilitating recovery and promoting self-discovery and independence. The position requires resilience and adaptability to engage with patients in a psychiatric hospital setting, delivering therapy and support to help them reclaim their lives.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an approved school of Social Work with training in substance use disorder counseling/therapy.
• Two years of experience in counseling people with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Current Washington State Chemical Dependency Professional Certification.
• In-depth understanding of group dynamics and the ability to navigate challenging interactions.
• Proven expertise in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies in high-stakes environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of state, hospital, and federal regulatory standards.
• Strong familiarity with mental illness, recovery principles, and trauma-informed care.
• Skilled in universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Ability to maintain a calm, therapeutic presence, even with difficult or angry patients.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and proactive approach to conflict resolution.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with management, peers, patients, and the public effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in utilizing tools and equipment, such as computers, copy machines, metal detectors, and patient lifting devices.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate 15+ hours of psychoeducational and/or therapy co-occurring groups weekly in the treatment malls.
• Conduct substance use admission screenings to help determine patient care plans.
• Deliver one-on-one or group therapy sessions to patients after mall hours.
• Collaborate closely with the treatment team to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
• Document patient progress in a computerized tracking system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Contribute to program improvement initiatives, offering recommendations to support program goals and objectives.
• Participate in hospital and departmental committees and complete all required in-service training.
• Adapt to other responsibilities as needed, aligned with the dynamic nature of patient care.

Benefits

• Salary range of $82,512 - $110,940 per year.
• Potential for an additional 5% premium pay for on-site work at least three days a week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Master's degree