Salary : $76,608.00 - $102,996.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionLeadership matters here. Every shift.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Therapies Supervisor to join the Behavioral Management Team at (WSH), one of Washington's state psychiatric hospitals.
In this role, you will lead Behavioral Health Specialists who provide structured behavioral and clinical support to patients with complex psychiatric and developmental needs. Many patients supported by the Habilitative Mental Health program experience serious mental illness alongside developmental or behavioral support needs, requiring consistent therapeutic programming and structured interventions.
Strong supervisors in this role create stability for both staff and patients. Your leadership helps ensure therapy services are consistent, effective, and focused on helping patients build practical life skills, stabilize behavior, and move closer to successful treatment outcomes.
This position works day shift. Positions performed on-site may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Employees working in Pierce County may also be eligible to receive an ORCA card for public transportation needs.
What You'll AccomplishIn this role, you will help ensure therapy services are reliable, structured, and supportive of patient progress by:
- Leading and supervising Behavioral Health Specialists who deliver habilitative therapy services
- Coaching staff in therapeutic interventions and behavioral support strategies
- Supporting patients in developing skills that promote safety, independence, and community readiness
- Identifying barriers to treatment interventions and collaborating with teams to address them
- Strengthening communication and coordination within the Behavioral Management Team
- Ensuring documentation and program requirements are completed accurately and on time
- Providing consultation and micro-training to treatment teams on behavioral strategies
- Using patient response data to evaluate and improve therapeutic interventions
The TeamThe Habilitative Mental Health program provides structured behavioral support for patients receiving treatment at Western State Hospital. The team collaborates closely with interdisciplinary treatment staff to support individuals who may experience significant psychiatric and behavioral challenges. Consistent leadership and clear communication are essential to maintaining effective therapeutic programming.
Work LocationThis position is fully on-site at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Washington. Due to the supervisory and clinical nature of the role, telework is not available.
Interested?If you are an experienced therapy professional ready to guide staff and strengthen therapeutic programming, we encourage you to apply today.
Who Should ApplyA bachelor's degree involving major study in occupational therapy, physical therapy, hospital recreation, manual arts, vocational counseling, or psychiatric social work
AND
Five years of professional experience in a therapy program, including two years in administration and direction of professional staff.
OR
Nine years of professional experience in a therapy program, including two years in administration and direction of professional staff.
Notes:
- A master's degree in the areas of study listed above will substitute for two years of non-administrative experience.
- Occupational therapy majors must possess registration with the National Registry of Occupational Therapy; physical therapy majors must possess a certificate of registration issued upon the recommendation of the Washington State Examining Committee of Physical Therapists.
Backgrounds That Often Succeed in This RoleYou may be a strong fit if your experience includes:
- Leading therapy, rehabilitation, or behavioral health programs
- Supervising staff providing patient or client skill-building services
- Working with individuals with behavioral health, developmental, or psychiatric needs
- Coaching staff on therapeutic or behavioral interventions
Some of what you'll do:- Supervise Behavioral Health Specialists and assign work schedules
- Train staff in therapeutic and behavioral intervention techniques
- Model therapeutic interactions and provide ongoing coaching and support
- Identify and address barriers that impact treatment effectiveness
- Promote clear communication within the Behavioral Management Team
- Ensure staff complete required documentation and program reporting
- Provide training and consultation to ward treatment teams when needed
- Collect and review patient response data to support treatment planning
- Complete required trainings and maintain program compliance
To ApplyClick the green APPLY button and submit your application, including:
- An updated resume that clearly describes your relevant experience.
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and how your education, skills, and experience have prepared you to successfully perform the duties of the Therapies Supervisor.
- Three professional references with current contact information.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at and reference project number 07268.
