DSHS CSTC Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3

Posting number: 2026-06014

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC YOUTH COUNSELOR 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services

Summary

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.

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