See Psychiatric Youth Counselor 1

Supervises Psychiatric Youth Counselors in a psychiatric treatment setting for severely emotionally, behaviorally, and psychiatrically disturbed youth and adolescents.

As the senior level of this series, incumbents have decision-making authority and supervise staff assigned to a treatment setting. This level provides leadership, oversees staff professional development activities, and acts as a liaison between the clinical team and other departments.

As the supervisor, directs, assigns, and monitors the performance of all Psychiatric Youth Counselors;

Has decision-making authority and consults with the clinical treatment team and medical staff when warranted;

Provides leadership, supervision, orientation, and mentorship of assigned Psychiatric Youth Counselors;

Facilitates ongoing competency assessment and evaluation of Psychiatric Youth Counselors;

Monitors and supervises baseline staffing levels throughout the campus and contributes to overall staffing and attendance activities;

Oversees ongoing educational and professional development activities of Psychiatric Youth Counselors;

Oversees and supervises the overall execution of the treatment program to ensure that a therapeutic milieu is maintained;

Acts as a liaison to other departments (i.e. security, school, recreation therapy, dietary, custodial, etc.) and assists in coordinated efforts including but not limited to hiring activities;

Conducts preliminary investigations and provides input on critical incident reviews along with recommended corrective actions;

Investigates and mediates parent and/or community partner concerns, grievances, and complaints;

Oversees the facilitation of both individualized and continuous therapeutic interventions, when clinically necessary;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: team building, supervision, age-specific care and familiarity with evidence-based approaches, psychiatric and behavioral disorders, mediation, problem solving, concepts of group process and behavioral therapy, and psychiatric youth treatment techniques.

Ability to: relate to a broad spectrum of emotionally, socially, and behaviorally disturbed children and adolescents; function as an integral part of a team, deal with stressful situations in a positive and nonpunitive manner; be aware of the possibility of highly volatile situations and be able to intervene in psychiatric crises quickly and appropriately, plan and supervise both on and off campus activities; communicate effectively orally and in writing.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

If the position has duties designated as defined under WAC 246-810-010, the incumbent must possess and maintain a current Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor or higher counseling related credential from the Washington State Department of Health.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in Social Sciences, Education, Recreation, Psychology or related field and two years of social service experience.


One year as a Psychiatric Youth Counselor 3.


Equivalent education/experience

New class: 1-24-75
Revised definition: 6-10-77
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 7-1-99
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-11-2000
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-12-04
New class code: (formerly 56090) effective July 1, 2007
Base range salary adjustment (from 51 to 55): adopted June 29, 2022, effective July 1, 2022
Created distinguishing characteristics, revised definition, typical work, knowledge and skills, and legal requirements: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
Revised title (formerly Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 3), definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, legal requirements, and desirable qualifications; base range increase from 55 to 58: adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.