DSHS WSH
Psychology Associate
Salary
$84,984.00
- $114,264.00 Annually
Location Pierce County
- Lakewood, WA
Job Type
Full Time
- Permanent
Job Number
2026-03525
Department
Dept.
of Social and Health Services
Division
BHHA
Opening Date
04/27/2026
Closing Date
5/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS WSH
- Psychology Associate
Join our team at Western State Hospital in Lakewood as a Rehab Psychology Associate.
In this clinical role, you will provide direct psychological services to adults with serious mental illness within the Gage Center of Forensic Excellence. You will be assigned to a ward where you will deliver individual and/or group therapy while collaborating as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. This position plays a vital role in supporting patient recovery and treatment, reporting directly to the Psychology Services Supervisor.
About Western State Hospital
Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Some of what you'll do:
Deliver evidence-based individual therapy, facilitate ward-based groups, and lead recreational or leisure activities that target empirically supported risk factors for violent recidivism, along with providing case management and patient escorting.
Serve as a key liaison among patients, families, significant others, attorneys, interpreters, and other involved parties to support communication and care coordination.
Provide testimony in court hearings when required and uphold all legal and clinical notification obligations, including violent-offender and duty-to-warn requirements.
Contribute clinical insights to interdisciplinary treatment teams regarding competency readiness, treatment needs, privilege readiness, and other assigned areas.
Complete all required documentation—including reports, progress notes, court letters, and treatment updates—in alignment with program standards, hospital policy, CMS requirements, and supervisory direction.
Offer support and coverage to fellow psychology associates as needed to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care across the program.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Form therapeutic relationships with individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Apply patient-centered treatment, trauma-informed care, recovery, strength-based, and biopsychosocial models.
Develop, implement, and monitor effective treatment and behavioral plans.
Provide evidence-based psychological or behavioral interventions.
Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
Assess patient needs and create a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.
Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who meet the following qualifications:
Master's degree or higher in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.
Current registration as a Washington State
