Posting number: 2026-06608
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER 3
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Mental Health, Human Services
We are currently seeking a Forensic Psychiatric Discharge Social Worker (PSW3) to join our Gage Center team.
As a Psychiatric Social Worker 3, you will assist residents by bridging our hospital and the community in discharge planning. Western State Hospital (WSH) offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member and enhance behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
The Community Program (CP) Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (PSW3) in the Gage Center of Forensic Services at Western State Hospital (WSH). In this capacity, you are a part of the admission, assessment, and discharge process, utilizing evidence-based interventions to assist in the promotion of wellness and recovery toward the patients’ treatment goal thereby supporting progression in the privilege system and, where appropriate, transition to the community. You are a member of a multidisciplinary and multiagency team including but not limited to the assigned treatment team, Treatment and Recovery Center staff, the Risk Review Board (where applicable), forensic evaluators, and the Office of Forensic Mental Health.
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.
Some of what you will do
Who should apply
Why Join Us?
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness.
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 about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 06608.
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.
