DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 3

Salary: $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00029
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description

DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 3


As part of medical clinic, we have an opening for an occupational therapist to join our growing team addressing the physical health needs of patients referred by our internal physicians. This is a recently established team that is focused on caring for the physical deficits of our patients with a focus on upper extremity injuries and/or deficits. We have a new physical clinic opening soon and are excited to add a team member that is interested in treating a wide range of upper extremity injuries in an environment that supports thoughtful therapeutic intervention. This is an opportunity to bring fresh eyes to a recently established group and contribute meaningfully to its operations and growth while increasing your own skills.

This position is M-F, 8-4:30, and it is onsite.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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. Those hired for this opportunity are entitled to an additional 5% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary

Some of what you'll do

• Assess and provide treatment to patients 1:1 as referred by physicians in the clinic.
• Evaluate and develop, plan, and prepare plans of care addressing a wide range of physical deficits for patients utilizing evidence-based practice.
• Treat patients according to plans of care.
• Document patient progress and update team members as needed
• Supervise occupational therapy assistant(s), intern(s), and/or student(s) as needed.

What we're looking for

• Experience working with patients with behavioral and physical health diagnoses.
• Skill in documentation.
• Ability to comprehend, educate others, and grade treatments according to patient's strengths and challenges.
• Knowledge of various treatment types and modalities using evidence-based practice.
• Ability to establish rapport with patients that may have a wide range of communication and social skills to provide treatment and encourage treatment compliance while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a team via excellent communication skills in providing and receiving feedback in a constructive, positive manner.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt as needed for the challenges specific to working in a psychiatric, forensic environment.

Who should apply?
Graduates from an accredited Occupational Therapy program, successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination AND three years of professional Occupational Therapy experience.


Preferred:
Three years of experience in occupational therapy treating upper body physical deficits.


Enjoy a variety of perks and look forward to each day on the job

• Uniquely, we're not for profit and not driven by production, allowing our Occupational Therapists the ability to focus on developing treatment approaches and emphasize inpatient care.
• Clinical autonomy and encouragement from leadership inspire our OTs to be creative and innovative in developing intervention strategies.
• Team collaboration among OTs and a variety of medical professionals supports an environment of continuous growth and professional development.
• Retirement and benefits are ideal - start a long-term career that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Information

• We do not track nor measure productivity percentages. Performance measures are focused on quality of care and reasonable expectations that focus on patient care versus financial performance. Separate time is built into this position's schedule to allow time for documentation, hygienic practices, evaluation preparation and research of novel presentations and/or treatment.
• This position has a guaranteed 40 hours a week (with no overtime demands) regardless of ebb/flow of referrals. During times of lower demand, this position is expected to focus on developing their therapeutic skills or completing departmental needs.
• All state holidays and weekends off.
• This position has autonomy in developing treatment plans and determining if skilled treatment is needed, for how long, how often and when it is no longer necessary. Everyone having input into the plan is a licensed medical professional with responsibility for treating the patient and the focus is on patient care versus financial performance measures.
• Sessions are always 1:1 with patients that have specifically been referred to us by the treating physician due to a physical deficit. Each patient has multiple reviews of current behavioral patterns prior to being escorted to the clinic and is not permitted to attend if recently assaultive. Additionally, the patient has generally requested Physical Occupational Therapy services so patients being seen have requested our care and are cooperative.
• When working with patients another therapist/staff is always present. We do not treat patients without other staff present. During an evaluation there is always another occupational therapy staff member.

Click to learn more about who we are, Western State Hospital, and how our staff makes a difference in transforming lives.

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.

Questions? Please contact and reference 00029, or you may call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Information


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.
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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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

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