Posting number: 2026-01092
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Job classification: PSYCHIATRIST 4
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Mental Health, Forensics, Physicians, Medical/Dental, Medical
Psychiatrist (Coalition) - Initial target salary $317,652
Application review begins immediately.
Western State Hospital (WSH) in Lakewood, Washington is looking for Psychiatrists to guide multi-disciplinary inpatient treatment teams on wards dedicated to general adult, geriatric and forensic populations. Strong psychopharmacology skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals are essential. WSH is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals west of the Mississippi River with over 800 beds and about 2500 full-time staff.
Western State Hospital is a psychiatric hospital serving western Washington that provides evaluation and inpatient treatment for adults with serious or long-term behavioral health issues. Psychiatrists provide specialized care to patients on wards in the Center for Forensic Services, on civil admission wards, and on longer-term civil wards for non-geriatric and geriatric adults.
Basic duties include certifying the medical necessity of hospital level of care, prescribing and reviewing appropriate medication and treatment, performing ongoing assessments of the patient's response to treatments, and developing and reviewing a release plan or justification for continued inpatient status.
As an employer, the Department of Social and Health Services offers the following to Psychiatrists:
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.
Applicants may confidentially apply for this opening by attaching a resume or CV and a letter of interest, or email all documents to Anthony Distefano at distear@dshs.wa.gov
01092
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.
