Psychology Associate

DSHS BHHA – Psychology Associate (Behavior Specialist)

Join our team as a Psychology Associate (Behavior Specialist) in Shoreline with the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration’s (BHHA) State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) team, where you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs.

In this position, you will provide psychological and behavioral analysis services, including conducting functional assessments, developing and implementing positive behavior support plans, and assisting with crisis intervention efforts. You will also help assess and transition clients into the SOCR Transitions program while building the skills and confidence of staff and service providers to effectively support individuals in community-based settings. Working closely with interdisciplinary teams and community partners, your work will directly contribute to improving client outcomes, promoting stability, and enhancing quality of life.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Conduct functional behavior assessments and develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Provide clinical consultation and behavioral support for individuals with complex needs, including developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, autism, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and substance use disorders.
• Design and recommend evidence-based behavioral interventions that promote community stability, reduce challenging behaviors, and increase adaptive functioning.
• Analyze behavioral data, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and make recommendations for service improvements and plan modifications.
• Provide crisis consultation, support cross-system planning efforts, and collaborate with DDA staff, providers, families, and community partners.
• Deliver training, coaching, and technical assistance to clinical staff, residential providers, families, and other stakeholders on positive behavior support practices.
• Provide clinical leadership, supervision, and consultation to behavioral health staff while ensuring compliance with professional, licensing, and program standards.
• Participate in statewide program development, policy implementation, quality improvement initiatives, and multidisciplinary team meetings to enhance service delivery.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Expertise in functional behavior assessment, positive behavior support, applied behavior analysis, and behavioral intervention planning.
• Ability to design, implement, evaluate, and revise evidence-based interventions for individuals with complex behavioral and developmental support needs.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, human development, and person-centered service delivery principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and utilize behavioral data to drive clinical decision-making and treatment outcomes.
• Ability to provide consultation, coaching, supervision, and training to staff, families, providers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of DDA programs, community-based long-term services and supports, applicable regulations, and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work, manage multiple responsibilities, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Who should apply?

We Are Seeking Professionals Who

• Have a master's or doctorate degree program in behavior analysis or other natural science, education, human services, engineering, medicine, or field related to behavior analysis. AND
• Are credentialed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) meeting requirements of RCW 18.380.050 .

Preferred qualifications

• At least five (5) years of professional experience as a Psychology Associate or Behavioral Specialist working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additional Information

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along With Your Application, Please Include

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ***email_hidden*** and reference job number #02751.

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 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.

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