WDVA Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (IN-TRAINING), Full-Time - Permanent, Washington Soldiers Home

WDVA Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (IN-TRAINING), Full-Time - Permanent Washington Soldiers Home Salary: $84,984.00 - $111,504.00 Annually Location: Pierce County - Orting, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2026-02429 Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs Division: Washington Soldiers Home Opening Date: 03/24/2026 Closing Date: 3/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

BenefitsQuestions

Description

Psychiatric Social Worker 3Full-Time - PermanentWashington Soldiers Home

We are pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for a full-time Psychiatric Social Worker 3 at the historic Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, Washington! Join our team and contribute to the organizations mission in this role by assuring that veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home receive the behavioral and social interventions needed to enhance their quality of life!

Homes 24/7 facility differential: Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027.

*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

Please note: The work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Hybrid/Telework: This position is not eligible for telework.

Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star.

As a Psychiatric Social Worker 3, you will provide medically related social services to Veterans and/or their spouses to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial wellbeing of each Veteran.

You will support our vision statement by assisting Veterans to heal their seen and unseen wounds of war and to participate in providing quality care in our Veterans Home. Connect with your goals and change lives in accomplishing our mission of "Serving Those Who Served" with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

In-Training Notice: This recruitment allows for the Hiring manager to hire at the Psychiatric Social Worker 1, 2 or 3 level with an in-training plan for each level below 3. The Psychiatric Social Worker 3 classification is the goal classification for this role. Please review the full posting to understand the qualification criteria for each level.

In-Training Plan:

• If hired at the Psychiatric Social Worker 1 level: The incumbent will be in in-training status and must obtain their masters degree. They must also gain one year of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker 1. When these requirements have been met, the incumbent will be elevated to a PSW2. They must obtain a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) credential. This step of the in-training planning is expected to be completed in one year.
• If Hired/when elevated to the Psychiatric Social Worker 2 level: The incumbent will be in an in-training status. The incumbent must gain one year of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker 2 and obtain a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) credential. When these requirements have been met, the incumbent will be elevated to a PSW3 in a trial-service period.
• If hired/when elevated to the Psychiatric Social Worker 3 level: The incumbent will be in a trial service period. The incumbent must obtain Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential to practice in the State of Washington. Trial service period not to exceed 1 year.

Duties Some of what youll do:

• Perform psychosocial assessments and psychiatric case histories.
• Complete assigned components of RAI (MDS, CAA, care plans research and completion).
• Interview residents for ongoing assessment and treatment with a focus on the residents cognitive, mood, psychosocial and behavioral status.
• Maintain direct contact with residents and families.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Monitor, track, and report on resident and family complaints and grievances.
• Complete documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Perform assessments, one-on-one visits, phone calls, care conferences, and discharge planning.
• Serve as the facility discharge planner; assess resident readiness for discharge and plan for smooth transition from facility to community.
• Maintain working knowledge and written materials related to community resources.
• Conduct and participate in resident/family groups, facilitate resident care conferences, and provide input on resident status relative to area of expertise.
• Develop behavior plans and maintain behavior monitors when necessary.
• Ensure accurate tracking and monitoring of all psych drugs.
• Prepare reports for behavior team on assigned residents.
• Review and monitor care plans and, with team support, make recommendations to care plan.
• Provide in-service education to all staff as required by regulation and as needed.
• Provide oversight, direction, training, performance development plan expectations and evaluations, and approval for leave, timesheet reporting, etc.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be proficient in the English language.

Psychiatric Social Worker 3:

• Masters degree from an approved school of social work. Note: A degree in social work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Two (2) two years of experience working with a population requiring mental health counseling or emotionally disturbed individuals.
• Must be a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) to practice in the State of Washington.

Psychiatric Social Worker 2:

• Masters degree from an approved school of social work. Note: A degree in social work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• One (1) year of experience in counseling mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals or one (1) year of professional casework experience.
• Must be a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) to practice in the State of Washington.

Psychiatric Social Worker 1:

• A Bachelors degree from an approved school of social work. Note: A degree in social work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Preferred/Desired:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively complete MDS 3.0, RAI requirements.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in care of geriatric population, dementia care, geriatric mental health or Veteran population.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize a heavy workload.

Knowledge of:

• Medical conditions/diagnoses.
• Categories of psychoactive medication.
• Veterans issues and trauma informed care.

Special requirements:

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must remain current on CPR.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted drivers license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

In-Training Plan, if Applicable: Position may be filled as an in-training plan, as outlined below:

• If hired as the PSW1 level, the incumbent will be in in-training probationary/trial service status and must obtain their masters degree. They must also gain one year of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker 1. When these requirements have been met, the incumbent will be elevated to a PSW2 in in-training trial service status. They must obtain a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) credential. This step of the in-training planning is expected to be completed in one year.
• If hired/when elevated to the PSW2 level, the incumbent will be in an in-training status probation/trial service status. The incumbent must gain one year of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker 2 and obtain a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) credential. When these requirements have been met, the incumbent will be elevated to a PSW3 in in-training trial-service status.
• If hired/when elevated to the PSW3 level, the incumbent will be in in-training probationary/trial service status. The incumbent must obtain Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential to practice in the State of Washington within 1 year. The in-training probationary/trial service period will not exceed 1 year.

Supplemental Information Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process: The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below. Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agencys greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

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. Thats 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 01

Please select the option that matches your level of education and experience, as it pertains to the requirements of this position: (By selecting an option below, you attest that the selected level of experience and education is accurate)

• Psychiatric Social Worker 3: I attest that I have a Masters degree from an approved school of social work, at least two (2) years of experience working with a population requiring mental health counseling or emotionally disturbed individuals, and that I hold an active Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) to practice in the State of Washington.
• Psychiatric Social Worker 2: I attest that I have a Masters degree from an approved school of social work, at least one (1) year of experience working with a population requiring mental health counseling or emotionally disturbed individuals, and that I hold an active Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) to practice in the State of Washington.
• Psychiatric Social Worker 1: I attest that I have a Bachelors degree from an approved school of social work. I do not possess the required experience or education listed in the job announcement.

02 Do you currently have a current, valid Washington state license to practice as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) OR Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)? Yes / No

03 If you answered Yes to having an active LICSW OR LSWA credential from the WA Dept of Health, list your license number here. If you do not have a license, type N/A.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location Washington, 98504

Websitehttp://www.careers.wa.gov