DSHS WSH Psychiatric Social Worker 3

Posting number: 2026-08128

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Human Services

We are currently seeking a Forensic Psychiatric Discharge Social Worker (PSW3) to join our Gage Center team.

As a Psychiatric Social Worker 3, you will assist residents by bridging our hospital and the community in discharge planning. Western State Hospital (WSH) offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member and enhance behavioral health treatment in Washington State.

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.

• Be responsible for discharge planning
• Identify and resolve barriers to discharge
• Complete all formal discharge paperwork
• Assist in finding placement
• Collaborate with treatment teams and Psychiatric Social Workers
• Update the discharge planning system
• Communicate regularly with residents and their representatives/family
• Testify in court hearings and reviews
• Assist with special data and reporting needs

We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness.

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.

Questions about this opportunity?

• Professionals with a master's degree from approved school of social work and two years of experience in counseling people who experience behavioral health issues
• Ability to obtain registration as an Agency Affiliated Counselor
• An independent clinical social work license is preferred

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.

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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