We accept applications for this job from DCYF staff only. Current DCYF employees are encouraged to apply.

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program Specialist 5 (PS5)

Location: Chehalis, WA.

Closes: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Salary: $71,136 - $95,676 Yearly - The salary does not include an additional 5% premium pay for employees working in an on-site 24/7 facility.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Treatment Specialist to provide clinical leadership and mental health program services and supervision of high-quality counseling to youth at Green Hill School. The job has primary clinical responsibility for the delivery of all modes of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma-specific intervention.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity (PS5):
This is a unique opportunity to provide mental health diagnostic evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and case management services in a multi-disciplinary outpatient setting, and work with other mental health care professionals to provide the best services possible to adjudicated youth in DCYF care. If you have experience providing mental health treatment and case management services and are ready to join our team, apply today and see all that DCYF has to offer.

Some of what you'll do:

Provide individual counseling based on established standards of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Co-lead DBT skills training groups with program staff.
Support program staff who assist with groups by developing skills.
Provide guidance and consultation to Residential Counselors and other program personnel regarding treatment plans.
Coordinate with inter-disciplinary clinicians, family members, agency staff, community partners, and Team members to support case management, processes, and continuity of care.
Provide documentation, session recordings, and direct observations as required to demonstrate and maintain DBT model fidelity.
Support consultation Team with program staff and leadership in compliance with DBT best practices and established standards.
Develop and execute plans and strategies to support program and staff development and continuous quality improvement.
Serve as a member of the facility DSPS team to respond to program staff who administer suicide assessments and provide consultation and authorize Suicide Precaution Levels (SPL) and supervision conditions.

Required Qualifications:

Six years of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. Demonstrable experience and ability to apply principles, skills and practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Bachelor’s degree in counseling or social service related field, and 4 years of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. Demonstrable experience and ability to apply principles, skills and practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Master’s degree in counseling or social service related field, and 2 years of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of principles, skills and practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Professional experience with cognitive behavioral interventions in a social services or treatment setting.
Demonstrated knowledge and skill with assessment and treatment applications of best-practice principles and with trauma-informed and culturally responsive treatment, cognitive-behavioral theory, social learning theory, and mindfulness-based practices.
Excellent communication skills, ability to work effectively with all levels of employees. Able to convey a positive and professional image to employees and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to use technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, quality and communication of clinical work.
Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and personal insight about racial justice, system inequity, disparities and disproportionality in legal systems, and the post-traumatic impact of racial discrimination.
Demonstrated knowledge of Demonstrated ability to coach and support others. Skilled in supporting staff development, conflict resolution and team cohesion.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This position requires a minimum of two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the DCYF Recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

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INTERNAL ONLY Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program Specialist 5 (PS5) – Chehalis

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