Posting number: 2026-08213
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: DDA
Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC YOUTH COUNSELOR 2
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Mental Health, Social Services
Join our team as a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 at the Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility in Burien, Washington, where you'll play a meaningful role in helping youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex behavioral health needs build the skills they need to thrive.
Designed specifically for children and youth, our therapeutic facility offers onsite educational services, therapies, and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces that support healing and growth. In this role, you'll provide hands-on support with daily living activities, model positive behaviors, implement evidence-based practices, and coach, teach, and mentor youth as they develop healthy coping skills and greater independence. Working alongside a dedicated clinical treatment team, you'll help create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where every young person has the opportunity to grow, build confidence, and move toward a brighter future.
Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:
The Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility (LBTCF) is a newly developed therapeutic program operated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Health Care Authority. Located in a staff-secure, youth-focused facility in Burien, LBTCF serves youth ages 13 to 17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and co-occurring behavioral health needs. The program provides whole-person, trauma-informed care using adapted evidence-based therapies and a person-centered approach that emphasizes strength-building, skill development, and family engagement. With space for up to 12 participants, LBTCF is designed to stabilize youth in crisis and support their successful transition to a home or community-based setting.
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08213.
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.
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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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.
