DSHS DDA Regional Psychology Associate

Posting number: 2026-05397

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: DDA

Job classification: PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATE

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Social Services, Human Services, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Counseling, Health Care Support

Summary

DSHS DDA Regional Psychology Associate

The Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is seeking a creative behavior specialist interested in joining a tight-knit dynamic team of professionals whose mission is ensuring DDA clients have the supports they need to live healthy, safe, and inclusive lives in our community.
 
You will be our subject matter expert in psychology, applied behavior analysis, and positive behavioral supports. You'll assist in developing and maintaining resources that address emergent and chronic needs of DDA clients who experience developmental or intellectual disabilities along with behavioral health issues.

Some of what you will do

• Conduct and write Functional Behavioral Assessments
• Oversee positive behavior support plans for clients that focus on behavioral health
• Review Cross System Crisis Plans and determine the need for and conduct assessments
• Train direct support professionals in positive behavior support principles and techniques, therapeutic options, and community protection policy
• Assist in building system capacity and competency of staff working successfully with clients exhibiting challenging behaviors
• Consult with staff on prevention and intervention for individuals with complex and serious behavior issues
• Observe and work with individuals and team staff in their homes and in the community
• Collaborate with Residential Habilitation Centers, state and local hospitals, and mental health providers in treatment planning and discharge planning
• Understand and interpret the DSHS and DDA mission, program policies and procedures, Washington Administrative Code to staff, clients, families, service providers, and other interested groups
• Complete monthly data analysis
• Travel to Yakima County or other areas, based on operation needs

What we are looking for

• A Behavioral Specialist with a master's degree in psychology

Preferred skills, knowledge and abilities

• Experience working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Licensed Behavior Analyst
• Working knowledge of treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Experience with positive behavior support principles and treatment strategies for people who have behavioral health issues
• Knowledge of the techniques for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of individual treatment plans

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 05142.

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.

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 servic