See Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 1

As a shift lead, directs staff on assigned shift and aids in the programming for severely emotionally, behaviorally, and psychologically disturbed children and adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting serving mental health and forensic admissions.

Incumbents serve as a shift lead and direct, assign, and monitor the performance of lower-level staff. Incumbents assist with activities of daily living, and model and implement evidence-based practices and provide situational counseling.

Has decision-making authority on shift when the team is not in agreement, consults with clinical treatment team and medical staff when needed;

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

Acts as a liaison to other departments, (i.e., school, recreation therapy, etc.) and assists in hiring activities;

Performs quality reviews of documentation (i.e. security logs, progress notes, incident reports, and other forms) to ensure compliance with documentation standards;

Intervenes and provides oversight in psychiatric crisis situations in order to de-escalate dangerous and/or assaultive situations utilizing basic de-escalation techniques and advanced crisis intervention strategies;

Collaborates and assists in coordinated activities off-campus, such as community transition activities and off-campus transportation;

Ensures both individualized and continuous therapeutic interventions are maintained, when clinically necessary;

Performs the duties of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: age-specific care and familiarity with evidence-based approaches.

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.

The incumbent must possess and maintain a current Agency Affiliated Counselor or higher counseling related credential from the Washington State Department of Health.

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

Two years as a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 1.


Equivalent education/experience.

New class: 1-24-75
Revised definition: 6-10-77
Revised definition: 5-28-86
Revised definition: 5-13-94
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 7-1-99
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-11-2000
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-12-04
New class code: (formerly 56080) effective July 1, 2007
Base range salary adjustment (from 48 to 52): adopted June 29, 2022, effective July 1, 2022
Created distinguishing characteristics, revised definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and legal requirements: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023