DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3 (PYC3) to join our multidisciplinary team. This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide and mentor staff, model evidence-based practices, and directly impact the therapeutic journey of youth in a psychiatric hospital setting. As a PYC3, you will serve as a shift lead within CSTC’s Orcas Cottage, working under the supervision of a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 4 (PYC4). You’ll manage a caseload of one to four youth, ensuring compliance with individualized treatment plans and regulatory standards. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring the program and hospital policies are followed, provides feedback as needed, ensures shift documentation is complete, mentoring Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 staff (PYC2), assigning tasks, and supporting team development. This position is ideal for professionals who thrive in collaborative environments, demonstrate strong leadership, and are committed to trauma-informed care and proactive intervention strategies.

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of one to four youth under close supervision, 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.