Job Description

Posting number: 2026-04710

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATE

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Social Services, Human Services, Health Sciences, Counseling, Community and Social Services, Health Care Support

DSHS SCC Psychology Associate

The Special Commitment Center is seeking a Psychology Associate to join its dedicated team. Our team is committed to delivering evidence-based treatment that increases public safety. We’re looking for teammates who share our vision and are committed to providing treatment that fosters growth, encourages engagement, and prioritizes safety—ultimately leading to better outcomes for our agency, our clients, and our community.

Some of what you'll do:

• Develop and lead evidence-based treatment groups.
• Provide individualized 1:1 intervention to selected clients.
• Develop, in collaboration with other treatment team members, treatment plans for residents.
• Attend, lead, and contribute to resident treatment team meetings, conferences, and debriefings.
• Complete electronic documentation of individual case management sessions, group treatment sessions, observation reports, incident reports, and other official documentation.
• Develop case conceptualizations for use in development and implement individualized treatment planning.
• Participate in depositions and, if required, testify as a fact-witness.

Who should apply:

• Professionals with a master's or doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology

What we're looking for:

• Experience planning and implementing individual and group interventions for people with a history of sexual offending.
• Experience working with clients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities is highly desired.
• Working collaboratively, professionally, and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and prioritize work, and willingness for flexibility.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain firm and professional boundaries.
• Ability to adhere to legislation and/or law changes that may affect current licensure and/or registration requirements.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor status through the Washington Department of Health or possession of a mental health license to practice independently.
• Ability to adhere to SCC and DSHS policy, legislation and/or law changes that may affect current licensure and/or registration requirements

Please note: SCC employees also receive an additional $10 per day premium pay in addition to advertised salary and a free ORCA card for transportation use. Ferry transportation is provided to McNeil Island employees. 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.

Please include with your application:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Three professional references

Questions? Email the recruiter at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 04710

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.

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