DSHS DDA Psychology Associate

State of Washington • King County - Shoreline, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Adults with developmental disabilities living in DSHS's State Operated Living Alternative (SOLA) homes in Shoreline need steady, expert guidance when behavior challenges put their housing and safety at risk. As a Psychology Associate, you'll provide that guidance. You'll study each client's behavior, including complex needs like mental health conditions, additional disabilities, dementia, substance use, or traumatic brain injury, and build a plan that reduces harmful behavior and encourages safer, more independent skills. This work protects people's ability to stay in their homes and communities. When a client's behavior puts their housing at risk, you'll step in early with a plan that addresses what's really going on, before things reach a crisis point. You'll also build the skill of the people around each client. You'll train and supervise the Psychology Affiliates, model interventions directly for staff, and provide consultation across SOLA programs, ensuring that informed, consistent care doesn't depend on just one person being in the room.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.
• Credentialed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) meeting requirements of RCW 18.380.050.
• Behavioral analysis: Applies applied behavior analysis and functional assessment methods to build and oversee sound behavior support plans.
• Clinical oversight: Directs behavior support services for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities with complex needs, including mental health conditions, additional disabilities, dementia, substance use, and traumatic brain injury.
• Data analysis: Collects and interprets behavior data using systems like Therap to track whether a plan is working.
• Supervision and training: Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff, including the Psychology Affiliate role, and resolves performance concerns.
• Consultation: Provides guidance to SOLA staff, families, and Field Services during crises and everyday behavior challenges.
• Communication: Builds working relationships with a wide range of people and communicates clearly, in writing and in person.
• Program knowledge: Knows DDA programs, community-based long-term services and supports, and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and write functional behavior assessments for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Develop, put into action, monitor, and evaluate positive behavior support plans.
• Oversee behavior support services for clients with needs that may include mental health conditions, autism, dementia, substance use, or traumatic brain injury.
• Direct interventions that reduce harmful behavior and build pro-social, adaptive skills.
• Identify service gaps and resources that help clients keep their housing and community supports.
• Use data systems, including Therap, to track and analyze how well treatment plans are working.
• Consult with DDA Field Services staff during crises and help build Cross Systems Crisis Plans.
• Review requests for exceptions to policy or procedure involving restrictive practices and make recommendations.
• Coordinate with mental health providers and other professionals on client care.
• Supervise, train, and support the Psychology Affiliate role.
• Provide training and technical assistance to help SOLA staff improve behavior support services.
• Model behavior support strategies directly for staff in participants' homes.
• Teach evidence-based practices for identifying, measuring, and changing behavior.
• Observe clients and staff in participants' homes to consult on behavior concerns.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff, and resolve performance issues when needed.
• Represent DDA at community and agency meetings.

Benefits

• 5% premium pay for King County employees
• Free ORCA card for transportation use
• Additional 5% premium pay for opportunities performed on-site at least three days a week

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level