DSHS SCC Social Work Manager

Social Work Manager

Make your mark where clinical leadership truly matters. The Special Commitment Center (SCC) — part of Washington State Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHHA) — is hiring a Social Work Manager to lead psychiatric social workers across both Total Confinement Facility and Community Operations. This is a new role. You'll be building something, not just maintaining it. We encourage you to apply if: You're an experienced clinical social work leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments. You know how to earn trust with frontline staff, navigate multi-disciplinary teams, and hold the line on clinical standards — all at once. You're ready to step into a role where your oversight directly shapes how patients move through discharge planning and into less restrictive care. Your first priority will be to get grounded in operations and build genuine supervisory relationships with your social work team. Still reading? Take the next step and apply today! Some of What You Will Do:

• Provide unified oversight of psychiatric social workers across Total Confinement and Community Operations
• Lead discharge planning — including treatment planning, risk management, and coordination with community partners such as Managed Care Organizations, Community Sex Offense Treatment Providers, and more
• Supervise, coach, hire, and evaluate social work staff; provide both clinical and administrative supervision
• Serve as liaison between patients, families/support systems, and external partners
• Facilitate discharge-related treatment groups and social work meetings
• Ensure compliance with clinical standards, policy/procedure, and state/federal regulatory requirements
• Monitor quality management functions and audit work performance
• Collaborate with the financial department on eligibility matters for each resident
• Participate in legal proceedings and facility case consults as appropriate

Who Should Apply:

• A graduate degree in Clinical Social Work or the equivalent from a nationally accredited institution as well as be a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Washington (preferred). 5 years of paid experience in counseling mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals and 3 years of supervisory experience. Relevant paid experience can be considered as substitution for supervisory experience; under discretion of hiring authority.
• At least two years of supervisory experience providing clinical and/or administrative supervision to professional staff and/or internship students, including the state required appropriate training as a clinical supervisor.
• Experience in providing clinical leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary team and or treatment programs in a residential setting.
• Communicates clearly and effectively in oral presentations and writing.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational and clinical observation skills demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a wide range of personalities.
• At least two years of supervisory experience providing clinical and/or administrative supervision to professional staff and/or internship students, including the state required appropriate training as a clinical supervisor.

Interested? Submit your application with a resume and cover letter. We're moving quickly — qualified professionals are encouraged to apply now. Questions? Email recruiter Kris George at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number 04162.

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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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