DSHS WSH Therapies Supervisor
About The Position
Leadership matters here. Every shift. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Therapies Supervisor to join the Behavioral Management Team at Western State Hospital (WSH), one of Washington's state psychiatric hospitals. In this role, you will lead Behavioral Health Specialists who provide structured behavioral and clinical support to patients with complex psychiatric and developmental needs. Many patients supported by the Habilitative Mental Health program experience serious mental illness alongside developmental or behavioral support needs, requiring consistent therapeutic programming and structured interventions. Strong supervisors in this role create stability for both staff and patients. Your leadership helps ensure therapy services are consistent, effective, and focused on helping patients build practical life skills, stabilize behavior, and move closer to successful treatment outcomes. This position works day shift. Positions performed on-site may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Employees working in Pierce County may also be eligible to receive an ORCA card for public transportation needs.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree involving major study in occupational therapy, physical therapy, hospital recreation, manual arts, vocational counseling, or psychiatric social work AND Five years of professional experience in a therapy program, including two years in administration and direction of professional staff.
- OR Nine years of professional experience in a therapy program, including two years in administration and direction of professional staff.
- Occupational therapy majors must possess registration with the National Registry of Occupational Therapy; physical therapy majors must possess a certificate of registration issued upon the recommendation of the Washington State Examining Committee of Physical Therapists.
- Background check including criminal record history may be conducted.
- Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.
- Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Nice To Haves
- Leading therapy, rehabilitation, or behavioral health programs
- Supervising staff providing patient or client skill-building services
- Working with individuals with behavioral health, developmental, or psychiatric needs
- Coaching staff on therapeutic or behavioral interventions
- A master's degree in the areas of study listed above will substitute for two years of non-administrative experience.
Responsibilities
- Leading and supervising Behavioral Health Specialists who deliver habilitative therapy services
- Coaching staff in therapeutic interventions and behavioral support strategies
- Supporting patients in developing skills that promote safety, independence, and community readiness
- Identifying barriers to treatment interventions and collaborating with teams to address them
- Strengthening communication and coordination within the Behavioral Management Team
- Ensuring documentation and program requirements are completed accurately and on time
- Providing consultation and micro-training to treatment teams on behavioral strategies
- Using patient response data to evaluate and improve therapeutic interventions
- Supervise Behavioral Health Specialists and assign work schedules
- Train staff in therapeutic and behavioral intervention techniques
- Model therapeutic interactions and provide ongoing coaching and support
- Identify and address barriers that impact treatment effectiveness
- Promote clear communication within the Behavioral Management Team
- Ensure staff complete required documentation and program reporting
- Provide training and consultation to ward treatment teams when needed
- Collect and review patient response data to support treatment planning
- Complete required trainings and maintain program compliance
Benefits
- An additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary may be eligible for positions performed on-site.
- Employees working in Pierce County may also be eligible to receive an ORCA card for public transportation needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
