Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06014

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC YOUTH COUNSELOR 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services

Summary

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents facing emotional and psychological challenges?

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 Ketron 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.

Work Schedule: Swing shift (2:30 - 11:00 PM), Tuesday through Saturday.

Still reading? Here's some of what you'll do.

Some of what you'll do:

• 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.

What we're looking for:

• 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.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals with:

• 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.

Additional information:

• An Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Department of Health must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

About the CSTC:

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06014.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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