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.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

What is your highest level of education in psychology?

• Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology
• Doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD)
• Other graduate degree in a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
• None of the above

Do you currently hold a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential that meets the requirements of RCW 18.380.050?

• I currently hold an active Washington State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential.
• I currently hold an active Licensed Behavior Analyst credential in another state.
• I am eligible to obtain Washington State LBA licensure but do not currently hold the credential.
• I do not hold and am not eligible for LBA licensure.

How many years of professional experience do you have as a Psychology Associate or Behavioral Specialist working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

• Required Question