State of Washington
DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
DSHS ESH Psychiatric Social Worker 3
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.
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.
Some of What You’ll Do
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.
What We’re Looking For
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?
A Master’s degree from an approved school of social work AND
Two years of experience counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions.
Degree must be from a program 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.
Ready to Apply? Please include an updated resume and three professional references with contact information.
Contact Questions? Please contact Chris Pulley at
chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov
and reference project number
08313 .
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 or 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.
Additional Benefits Washington State offers competitive benefits. For full details, visit the Public Employees Benefits Board website or the Department of Retirement Systems. (Benefits information is truncated in this description.)
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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.
Some of What You’ll Do
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.
What We’re Looking For
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?
A Master’s degree from an approved school of social work AND
Two years of experience counseling individuals with behavioral health conditions.
Degree must be from a program 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.
Ready to Apply? Please include an updated resume and three professional references with contact information.
Contact Questions? Please contact Chris Pulley at
chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov
and reference project number
08313 .
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 or 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.
Additional Benefits Washington State offers competitive benefits. For full details, visit the Public Employees Benefits Board website or the Department of Retirement Systems. (Benefits information is truncated in this description.)
#J-18808-Ljbffr