DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3

About the Department

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents facing emotional and psychological challenges?

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3 (PYC3) to join our multidisciplinary team. This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide and mentor staff, model evidence-based practices, and directly impact the therapeutic journey of youth in a psychiatric hospital setting.
 
As a PYC3, you will serve as a shift lead within CSTC’s Orcas Cottage, working under the supervision of a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 4 (PYC4). You’ll manage a caseload of one to four youth, ensuring compliance with individualized treatment plans and regulatory standards. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring the program and hospital policies are followed, provides feedback as needed, ensures shift documentation is complete, mentoring Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 staff (PYC2), assigning tasks, and supporting team development.
 
This position is ideal for professionals who thrive in collaborative environments, demonstrate strong leadership, and are committed to trauma-informed care and proactive intervention strategies.

Work Schedule: Swing shift (2:30 - 11:00 PM), Sunday through Thursday.

Still reading? Here's some of what you'll do.

Some of what you'll do:

• Manage a caseload of one to four youth under close supervision, supporting treatment teams in delivering services to youth and families with complex needs.
• Lead PYC2 staff in providing situational counseling and mentorship to adolescent and pre-adolescent children in residential cottages.
• Apply evidence-based interventions including PBS, CPI, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care to support youth development.
• Facilitate the development of social, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while assisting youth with daily living activities based on their treatment plans.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by implementing cottage programs and individualized behavior plans, using reinforcement strategies and contingency management.
• Plan, organize, and supervise individual and group activities for youth, including social, recreational, and therapeutic programming.
• Escort and monitor youth during on- and off-campus activities, maintain detailed logs, and ensure compliance with treatment plans and safety protocols.
• Lead PYC2 staff in mentoring families during therapeutic leave and assist with crisis management and de-escalation when needed.
• Document treatment progress, safety checks, and incidents in accordance with CSTC policies, CMS standards, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback to PYC2 staff, participate in hiring panels, and support center-wide leadership in the absence of PYC4 supervisors.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of adolescent development, age-specific care, and mental health concepts.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as Positive Behavioral Support, Therapeutic Options, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
• Ability to de-escalate behavioral health situations in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Understanding of interpersonal dynamics and community resources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, recreation, psychology, or a related field, AND one year of experience in social services.
  OR
• One year of experience as a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2.
  OR
• A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge and skills.

Additional information:

• An Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Department of Health must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 
• 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.
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

About the CSTC:
The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.
 
 
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? 
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Kris George at [email protected] and reference job number #06014.
 

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.

Other Qualifications

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.

 

 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov