Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00433

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Health Sciences

Summary

We have exciting opportunities for entry-level mental and behavioral health occupational therapists (OTs) to join our team at Western State Hospital. This is an ideal opportunity for OTs to expand their experience in providing occupational therapy and active treatment services to a population of patients with complex needs. You'll thrive and work to create new approaches for treatment.

Full-time opportunities are available. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location are eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you'll do

• Collaborates with patients and an interdisciplinary team to discuss treatment goals and implementation, monitors change and progress.
• Evaluates and treats patients with a variety of mental and behavioral health diagnoses to achieve maximum function.
• Assesses and provides treatment using OT evidence-based practice to patients in groups and/or 1:1s as needed.
• Completes cognitive OT assessments as needed.
• Reports clinical data in both written and oral form following policies and procedures.
• Updates treatment plans in a timely manner.
• Maintains service-related records; adheres to documentation expectations.
• Supervises occupational therapy assistant(s).
• Contributes to continuous quality improvement.
• Performs related duties as required.

What we're looking for

• Desire to work with patients who have mental and behavioral health diagnoses.
• Ability to handle stressful and sometimes challenging situations.
• Skill in documentation.
• Ability to comprehend, educate others, and grade treatments according to a patient's strengths and challenges.
• Knowledge of various treatment types and modalities using OT evidence-based practice.

Who should apply?

Professionals who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program and who successfully completed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination and are licensed to practice OT in Washington State. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Click here to learn more about who we are, Western State Hospital, and how our staff makes a difference.

Enjoy a variety of perks and look forward to each day on the job

• Uniquely, we're not for profit and not driven by production, allowing our OTs the ability to focus on developing treatment approaches that emphasize patient care.
• Clinical autonomy and encouragement from leadership inspire our OTs to be creative and innovative in developing treatment and intervention strategies.
• Experience a variety of therapeutic areas where you can excel including cognitive evaluations and psychosocial group and individual treatment.
• Team collaboration among OT practitioners (OTPs) and a variety of healthcare professionals supports an environment of continuous growth and professional development.
• Rapport and treatment built by our OTPs for patients that are impactful and meaningful.
• You'll quickly appreciate the sense of community and the interaction with staff and patients.
• Retirement and benefits are ideal—start a long-term career that supports a healthy work-life balance.

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.

Questions? Please get in touch with Chris.Pulley@dshs.wa.gov or by phone at (360)916-1856 and reference #00433.

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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