Job Description

Posting number: 2026-04295

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: WMS BAND 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Management, Project Management

Lead at the intersection of clinical care and the legal system.

The Behavioral Health Treatment Center (BHTC) at Maple Lane Campus — part of Washington State Department of Social & Health Services Behavioral Health Administration — is hiring a Clinical Services Manager to lead clinical operations for one of the most specialized populations in the state: individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).

We encourage you to apply if:

You're a licensed psychologist with a strong clinical and leadership foundation — someone who has led teams, supervised professional staff, and delivered evidence-based treatment in a residential or inpatient psychiatric setting. You may not have a forensic background yet. That's okay. If you're grounded in clinical best practice, skilled at building trust with direct reports, and steady under pressure, you'll thrive here. This is a forensic-clinical leadership role. You don't need to come in knowing every legal nuance — that's something we'll teach you.

What we need is your clinical and administrative expertise from day one.

Your first 90 days are about two things: build your foundation and build your relationships. Get to know your team, your programs, and the legal landscape you'll be operating in.

Still reading? Take the next step and apply.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Who Should Apply

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an APA, CPA, or regionally accredited institution, with internship from an APA or APPIC accredited program
• Licensed to practice independently as a Psychologist in Washington State (or licensure in another state with ability to obtain WA licensure within six months)
• Five years of experience delivering evidence-based treatment of to psychiatric residents in a residential or hospital setting with two years of managerial experience providing clinical supervision to professional staff (may run concurrently with the five year requirement)
• Strong leadership skills: clinical judgment, independent problem-solving, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and the ability to develop others
• Working knowledge of budgeting and contract management

Some of What You'll Do

• Lead clinical operations for the NGRI program — a niche, legally complex population requiring careful clinical and legal judgment
• Protect the department from legal liability through sound, defensible clinical decision-making
• Supervise and develop clinical staff, providing both clinical and administrative oversight
• Oversee the development of high-quality court petitions that meet legal and clinical standards
• Provide expert court testimony and represent clinical decisions with clarity and credibility
• Guide multidisciplinary teams in applying evidence-based treatment practices
• Evaluate program performance and drive continuous quality improvement
• Partner with leadership on staffing strategy, program growth, and operational readiness

Interested?
Click APPLY and submit your resume and cover letter addressing the required competencies.

We're looking for someone ready to step in and lead — if that's you, don't wait.

Questions?
Email recruiter Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 04295.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security