Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2

Posting number: 2026-07478

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC YOUTH COUNSELOR 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services

Summary

DSHS Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 - Youth Support Professional

The Psychiatric Youth Counselor 2 supports youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex co-occurring needs by assisting with daily living activities, modeling healthy behavior, and using evidence-based practices to coach, teach, and mentor. The therapeutic facility is designed specifically for children and youth, offering accessible educational and therapy spaces along with outdoor areas. It will open with 12 beds and 108 full-time employees, with planned growth to 24 beds and more than 196 staff.

In this role, you help young people learn to manage strong emotions, build healthy skills, and feel safe. Some days involve guiding them through routines; other days require supporting them through difficult moments when emotions escalate. You work closely with a clinical treatment team and support a small group of youth, contributing to a safe, structured environment where healing can occur.

Note: We have multiple on-call positions available covering all shifts.

Additional Information:

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• 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.
• An Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Department of Health must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Assist with activities of daily living based on age-appropriate approaches, model evidence-based practices.
• Provide situational counseling, orientation and mentorship to a small caseload of youth.
• Facilitate social skills, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Document behaviors and progress.
• Intervene in crisis situations and use de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Assist in on and off-campus therapeutic activities.

Who should apply? Those with either;

A bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Social Sciences, Education, Recreation, Psychology, or related field.

OR

Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences AND two years of experience working with individuals in a psychiatric, mental health or health care setting.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Crisis response: Apply calm and structured intervention strategies to safely de-escalate highly emotional or volatile situations.
• Emotional regulation: Maintain a steady and nonpunitive approach during stressful interactions with youth.
• Therapeutic modeling: Implement evidence-based approaches under supervision to reinforce positive behavior and coping strategies.
• Activity planning: Coordinate and supervise safe, structured activities both on and off campus.
• Adaptability: Adjust quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

See why people like you choose to work at DSHS:

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? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07478.

Supplemental information

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.

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