2.5 million
people served each year
Washington State DSHS
Build a psychology career that changes lives across Washington.
Bring your expertise to meaningful public service—helping vulnerable Washingtonians access the support, care and resources they need.
Licensed psychologistsEarly-career psychologistsRecent graduates
Care grounded in service, dignity and inclusion
2.5 millionpeople served each year
Statewide scale
Make an impact at Washington’s largest state agency
Bring your psychology expertise to an organization whose reach extends across Washington—and whose work supports people every day.
17,500
employees statewide
Across Washington
offices located throughout the state
One public-service mission
Services span six essential areas.
Behavioral healthLong-term careRehabilitationFamily supportDevelopmental disabilitiesPublic assistance
Your career foundation
Benefits that support your life and career
Build a sustainable public-service career with benefits designed to support your health, time away, future and continued development.
Health + future
Health and retirement plans
Competitive health and retirement benefits help you care for yourself now while building greater security for the years ahead.
A dependable base for long-term public service
Time + choice
Paid leave and flexible benefit options
Paid leave makes room for life beyond work, while mix-and-match benefit options let employees shape coverage around their needs.
Support that can adapt as your life changes
Learning + practice
Training and professional development
Continue developing your professional practice through training and growth opportunities while serving vulnerable Washingtonians.
Keep growing while your work makes a difference
See where your psychology expertise can grow within Washington State DSHS.
Search Open PositionsMeaningful public service
Use Your Expertise Where It Matters Most
Help Washingtonians access support, care, resources, safety, and stability.
At the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, psychology work connects clinical expertise with meaningful service to people facing complex circumstances. Your contribution can help individuals and families move toward greater health, safety and self-direction.
See How DSHS Serves Washington
Our mission
“We partner with people to access support, care, and resources.”
Our vision: People find human services to shape their own lives.
Where psychology can contribute
DSHS serves Washingtonians through distinct programs. The setting and population depend on the specific position—not every opening supports every service area.
Behavioral health treatmentDevelopmental disabilities servicesVocational rehabilitationLong-term careChild and family support
How we work
A workplace built on service and inclusion
At Washington State DSHS, shared values guide how employees collaborate, care for people and carry out responsible public service.
Service
Partner with people so they can access support, care and resources—and help Washingtonians shape their own lives.
Public service is the purpose behind every value.
H
Honesty
Speak plainly and share what people need to know.
I
Integrity
Act responsibly and safeguard the trust placed in public service.
O
Open communication
Listen carefully, exchange perspectives and keep dialogue open.
E
Excellence
Bring care, sound judgment and high standards to the work.
D
Diversity
Value the experiences and perspectives people bring.
I
Inclusion
Create space for people to contribute, participate and be heard.
Partnership is essential
DSHS depends on strong community partnerships and government-to-government relationships with Native American tribes.
Equal opportunity
DSHS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
One form, two ways to connect
Take the Next Step—or Refer a Psychologist
One simple form supports both candidates and professional referrals. Choose the route that fits, share the relevant details, and a DSHS recruiting contact will follow up.
Connect with a DSHS RecruiterStep 01 · Choose your path
Start from where you are
Same form
I’m interestedExplore psychologist opportunities for yourself.
I’m referring someoneConnect a psychologist in your professional network.
02
Provide the relevant detailsShare contact and professional information for yourself or the person you’re referring.
03
Hear from DSHS recruitingA recruiting contact follows up about relevant psychologist opportunities.
Your expertise can change lives statewide
Bring Your Psychology Expertise to DSHS
Share your information—or connect a qualified psychologist with our team. Your next step can support vulnerable Washingtonians through meaningful public service.
A career supported for the long term
Meaningful service to Washington communities
Health and retirement benefits
Training and professional development
Accessibility or recruiting questions? [email protected]
Connect With the DSHS Psychology Recruitment Team
Share your interest in psychology opportunities with Washington State DSHS—or refer a psychologist you know.
Basic information
Short questionnaire
Profile
Background
