Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07384

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: WMS BAND 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health

Summary

DSHS DDA Field Services Psychologist

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has opportunities for a Pyshcologist to join a tight-knit and dynamic team of professionals whose mission is ensuring that individuals served by DDA have the supports they need to live healthy, safe, and inclusive lives in our community.

You will be our subject matter expert in psychology, positive behavioral supports, differential diagnosis, clinical problem solving, and clinical and psychometric assessment. Additionally, you will assist in developing and maintaining resources that address emergent and chronic needs of individuals who experience cognitive or intellectual disabilities along with behavioral health challenges.

Regional Impact:

• Coordinates efforts with other members of the Region Clinical Team in providing supports that help to stabilize individual crises; plan for future contingencies; increase contracted agency ability to plan and implement positive, proactive supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities; and support and improve the effectiveness of community resources in supporting full integration of individuals in their communities.
• Provides professional analysis and opinion regarding intake and eligibility issues, including serving on the Other Condition Similar to intellectual Disability Committee, reviewing selected intake documentation for eligibility; and testimony at Administrative Hearings.

DSHS/DDA:

• Assists in policy development by reviewing and providing feedback on proposed policy changes/updates.
• Serves on selected committees and work groups on the local, regional, and statewide levels, as assigned.
• Promotes collaborative and cooperative working relationships with Behavioral Health Organizations, Managed Care Organization, Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery, and other agency providers/community partners.

Who should apply

Professionals with:

• A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology;
• Licensed or eligible to obtain license in Washington to practice psychology by hire date; and
• A minimum of three (3) years of post-doctoral psychology experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities

What makes DDA an employer of choice for Psychologists

• One of the biggest benefits unique about public service is that we are not driven by production; this allows our Psychologists the ability to truly focus on providing exceptional evidence-based care.
• The clinical autonomy and encouragement from our leadership inspire our psychologists to be innovative with a person-centered approach.
• Excellent compensation package from Day One with outstanding family benefits, a generous retirement plan, and other incentives that we would love to discuss with you.
• Developmental Disabilities Administration is an identified Certified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• DSHS provides support staff and covers all operating expenses.
• You will experience a quality work-life balance working a Monday through Friday, typically 8-5pm.

The location

As Washington's second-largest city, Spokane presents the ideal place to live, work, play, and be a part of a community. Spokane is a progressive city with outgoing and friendly people. Outdoor activities are especially plentiful given the area's natural beauty and its four seasons. No matter if you love city life or nature, Spokane has it all.

A vibrant city, downtown Spokane is amongst the healthiest in the nation, exuding urban character and offering a top-notch quality of life, such as affordable cost of living, five ski resorts within 1.5 hours of downtown, dozens of lakes within an hour of downtown, and hundreds within 2 hours, five universities and lively arts, music, and theater scene.

Want to know more about Developmental Disabilities Administration? Click on the videos below to meet staff and explore your career. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

Interested or Questions? Please attach or send a resume or CV to Jourdan Kovacs at Jourdan.Kovacs@dshs.wa.gov. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact Jourdan by email and reference 07384.

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 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(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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