DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
About The Position
Join our team at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, as a Psychiatric Social Worker 3. In this vital role, you will provide specialized social work services to patients on the Gero-psychiatric Unit, applying professional values, principles, and techniques within a recovery-oriented framework. Your work will support individuals living with serious and persistent behavioral health conditions and/or co-occurring disorders, helping them move forward in their treatment and recovery. About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Requirements
- Understanding of group behavior, dynamics, and therapeutic approaches.
- Skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
- Knowledge of behavioral health issues, recovery principles, and psychotropic medications.
- Familiarity with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of universal precautions and infection control practices.
- Ability to build rapport and work effectively with patients in challenging situations.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills with patients, families, peers, and professionals.
- A Master's degree from approved school of social work.
- Two years of experience in counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and maintain accurate documentation per hospital and departmental guidelines.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) team on treatment planning, problem-solving, and discharge planning.
- Serve as the primary contact for families, Behavioral Health Organizations, liaisons, and community providers to share information, coordinate care, and address barriers.
- Facilitate patient meetings and therapeutic groups as part of the hospital's active treatment program.
- Arrange and coordinate referrals and resources to ensure housing, financial, and aftercare needs are met prior to discharge.
- Prepare reports, complete court-related requirements, and provide testimony when requested.
- Represent the social work department on committees, provide backup coverage for colleagues, and complete mandatory trainings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Administration of Economic Programs
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
