DSHS WSH Psychiatrist

About the role

Psychiatrist (Coalition) - Initial target salary $317,652

Application review begins immediately.

Western State Hospital (WSH) in Lakewood, Washington is looking for Psychiatrists to guide multi-disciplinary inpatient treatment teams on wards dedicated to general adult, geriatric and forensic populations. Strong psychopharmacology skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals are essential. WSH is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals west of the Mississippi River with over 800 beds and about 2500 full-time staff.

Western State Hospital is a psychiatric hospital serving western Washington that provides evaluation and inpatient treatment for adults with serious or long-term behavioral health issues. Psychiatrists provide specialized care to patients on wards in the Center for Forensic Services, on civil admission wards, and on longer-term civil wards for non-geriatric and geriatric adults.

Basic duties include certifying the medical necessity of hospital level of care, prescribing and reviewing appropriate medication and treatment, performing ongoing assessments of the patient's response to treatments, and developing and reviewing a release plan or justification for continued inpatient status.

We are most interested in applicants who meet the following

• A valid license to practice medicine and surgery in Washington State and successful completion of ACGME approved residency in Psychiatry.
• Strong psychopharmacology skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals are essential.
• H1B/J1 Visa candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an employer, the Department of Social and Health Services offers the following to Psychiatrists:

• Relocation assistance
• $10,000 for Board Certification
• $10,000 incentive for psychiatrists newly hired to DSHS
• Loan forgiveness program available up to $25,000 for qualifying employees
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy plans
• $6,500 annual allowance for CME courses
• Employee legal representation and/or indemnification
• Eligible for benefits immediately
• Deferred compensation program
• Five-year retirement vestment
• Career advancement
• Optimal work/life balance
• No mandatory call; 1.25 times regular pay for extra duty, such as voluntary on-call
• Opportunity to work on complex cases
• Free ORCA cards are available for Pierce County employees
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

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.

Application Process

Applicants may confidentially apply for this opening by attaching a resume or CV and a letter of interest, or email all documents to Anthony Distefano at

01092Prior 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.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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