Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Lake, Washington, United States, 99022
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DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
role at
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services .
About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state‑operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court‑ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery‑focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Job Description Join our team at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, as a Psychiatric Social Worker 3. In this vital role, you will provide specialized social work services to patients on the Gero‑psychiatric Unit, applying professional values, principles, and techniques within a recovery‑oriented framework. Your work will support individuals living with serious and persistent behavioral health conditions and/or co‑occurring disorders, helping them move forward in their treatment and recovery.
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and maintain accurate documentation per hospital and departmental guidelines.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) team on treatment planning, problem‑solving, and discharge planning.
Serve as the primary contact for families, Behavioral Health Organizations, liaisons, and community providers to share information, coordinate care, and address barriers.
Facilitate patient meetings and therapeutic groups as part of the hospital’s active treatment program.
Arrange and coordinate referrals and resources to ensure housing, financial, and aftercare needs are met prior to discharge.
Prepare reports, complete court‑related requirements, and provide testimony when requested.
Represent the social work department on committees, provide backup coverage for colleagues, and complete mandatory trainings.
Qualifications
Understanding of group behavior, dynamics, and therapeutic approaches.
Skill in crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques.
Knowledge of behavioral health issues, recovery principles, and psychotropic medications.
Familiarity with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of universal precautions and infection control practices.
Ability to build rapport and work effectively with patients in challenging situations.
Strong teamwork and communication skills with patients, families, peers, and professionals.
Who Should Apply? We are searching for professionals with a Master’s degree from an approved school of social work AND at least two years of experience counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions. The degree must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Additional Information 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.
Applying
An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information
Contact Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 08313.
Background Check 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
E‑Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
role at
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services .
About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state‑operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court‑ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery‑focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Job Description Join our team at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, as a Psychiatric Social Worker 3. In this vital role, you will provide specialized social work services to patients on the Gero‑psychiatric Unit, applying professional values, principles, and techniques within a recovery‑oriented framework. Your work will support individuals living with serious and persistent behavioral health conditions and/or co‑occurring disorders, helping them move forward in their treatment and recovery.
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and maintain accurate documentation per hospital and departmental guidelines.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) team on treatment planning, problem‑solving, and discharge planning.
Serve as the primary contact for families, Behavioral Health Organizations, liaisons, and community providers to share information, coordinate care, and address barriers.
Facilitate patient meetings and therapeutic groups as part of the hospital’s active treatment program.
Arrange and coordinate referrals and resources to ensure housing, financial, and aftercare needs are met prior to discharge.
Prepare reports, complete court‑related requirements, and provide testimony when requested.
Represent the social work department on committees, provide backup coverage for colleagues, and complete mandatory trainings.
Qualifications
Understanding of group behavior, dynamics, and therapeutic approaches.
Skill in crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques.
Knowledge of behavioral health issues, recovery principles, and psychotropic medications.
Familiarity with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of universal precautions and infection control practices.
Ability to build rapport and work effectively with patients in challenging situations.
Strong teamwork and communication skills with patients, families, peers, and professionals.
Who Should Apply? We are searching for professionals with a Master’s degree from an approved school of social work AND at least two years of experience counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions. The degree must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Additional Information 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.
Applying
An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information
Contact Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 08313.
Background Check 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
E‑Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
#J-18808-Ljbffr