No Wrong Door: Building a System Where Every Appointment Is a Mental Health Visit Too
On a rainy Tuesday morning, a woman walked into her usual clinic for a blood pressure check and walked out with something she never expected: a same-day appointment with a behavioral health specialist who finally helped her name the anxiety that had been stealing her sleep. She never searched for a therapist, never navigated insurance hotlines, never crossed town on three buses- mental health care simply met her where she already was. That is the promise of truly integrated care: partnerships between local governments, community organizations, and primary care teams that make mental wellness as routine as a flu shot, as visible as a lab result, and as connected to real life as rent, work, and food on the table.
This article explores how cities are weaving mental health into everyday systems- through shared data, cross-trained staff, social determinant screening, and sustainable funding- so that getting help for the mind finally feels as ordinary, and as accessible, as getting help for the body.
Expanding Integrated Mental Health Care Through Community Partnerships
Building strong partnerships between local health departments, community-based organizations, and primary care providers is essential for expanding access to integrated health and mental wellness services. These collaborations can help extend the reach of services beyond clinical settings and into neighborhoods where residents may face barriers such as transportation, stigma, or financial limitations. For example, embedding behavioral health professionals in community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) allows for coordinated care that is both accessible and affordable. These models work particularly well in underserved communities, where residents often rely on primary care as their main touchpoint with the healthcare system.
But here's the thing: mental health care still isn't always considered part of "regular" health care. These partnerships help bridge that gap by bringing mental wellness services directly into the places where people are already getting physical care. It's a practical, people-centered approach that helps normalize mental health support as just another part of staying well.
Formal agreements, such as memorandums of understanding (MOUs), can clarify roles and responsibilities among partners and establish referral and data-sharing protocols. Cities like Philadelphia have implemented these types of collaborations through programs like the Behavioral Health Screening and Integration Initiative, which trains primary care providers to conduct behavioral health screenings and connect patients to services directly through digital referral platforms1. This type of partnership not only improves continuity of care but also reduces duplication of services, streamlines patient navigation, and ensures mental health support is accessible in the same places where physical health is addressed.
Building Skills for Better Care: Workforce Development and Cross-Training
A critical component of successful integration is investing in workforce development, particularly in training primary care and behavioral health staff to work collaboratively. Cross-training enhances understanding of each discipline's scope, enabling more effective coordination and communication between providers. For instance, training primary care staff in recognizing behavioral health symptoms and using evidence-based screening tools, such as the PHQ-9 for depression or the GAD-7 for anxiety, allows earlier identification and intervention2. Similarly, behavioral health specialists benefit from understanding chronic physical health conditions, enabling them to tailor mental health interventions with a full picture of a patient's health.
Too often, mental health is treated like a separate issue, when in reality, it shows up in the same exam rooms where people go for checkups or chronic disease management. By training healthcare professionals to see the full person - both body and mind - we take a big step toward making mental wellness a routine part of care, not an afterthought.
Municipal leaders can facilitate this training by partnering with local universities, continuing education providers, and professional associations. They may also use grant funding to support training programs that focus on trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and culturally competent practices. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers technical assistance and funding opportunities that local governments can leverage for staff development3. Prioritizing workforce readiness ensures integrated care systems are not only built but sustained with competent professionals capable of delivering high-quality, coordinated care.
Turning Insights Into Action: Leveraging Data to Improve Outcomes
Integrated care initiatives benefit from robust data collection and analysis systems that monitor both physical and mental health indicators. Local governments and health departments can improve service delivery by using shared electronic health records (EHRs) or integrated case management systems that allow providers across disciplines to access patient information in real time. This ensures that treatment plans are informed by the full spectrum of a patient's needs and reduces the likelihood of fragmented care. For example, North Carolina’s Community Care program uses a shared data platform that connects primary care, behavioral health, and social service providers to track patient outcomes and coordinate services effectively4.
When mental health data is siloed or excluded from broader healthcare records, it sends a message - even if unintentionally - that mental wellness isn't a central part of someone's overall health. Integrated data systems help fix that by making mental health just as trackable, visible, and important as any other health issue. That visibility helps providers deliver better care and helps communities see the full picture of what people need to thrive.
Data can also be used to identify service gaps, evaluate program performance, and inform policy decisions. For instance, analyzing patterns in emergency department utilization for mental health crises may reveal a need for more community-based crisis intervention services. Municipal leaders can use this information to reallocate resources, apply for targeted funding, or advocate for policy changes at the state level. Ensuring data systems align with privacy regulations, such as HIPAA, is essential, but with proper safeguards in place, integrated data sharing can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of care.
Addressing the Root Causes: Social Determinants of Mental Health
Mental wellness is influenced by a range of social determinants, including housing stability, employment, education, and food security. Integrating screening for these factors into primary care visits helps providers understand the broader context of a patient's health and connect them to appropriate supports. For example, a patient presenting with anxiety symptoms may also be facing eviction or food insecurity, which could be contributing to their mental health challenges. Screening tools like the PRAPARE assessment are increasingly used in clinics to identify and track social needs alongside clinical indicators5.
Too often, mental health is treated in isolation, as if it exists apart from a person's day-to-day life. But stress over rent, job loss, or not having enough to eat can deeply affect mental well-being. By acknowledging these social factors and weaving them into healthcare conversations, we move closer to treating mental health as a normal, interconnected part of overall health.
Local governments can support this work by coordinating access to wraparound services such as housing assistance, job training, and nutrition programs. Embedding social workers or community health workers into primary care teams can enhance this coordination. Cities like Austin, Texas have implemented "integrated care navigation" models that place navigators within clinics to help patients access both health and social services in a single setting6. Recognizing and addressing social determinants is crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in mental health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Policy and Funding for All: Advancing Equity in Access
Equity must be a guiding principle in any health and mental wellness strategy. Structural barriers such as insurance coverage gaps, lack of culturally competent providers, and geographic disparities in service availability can prevent individuals from accessing integrated care. Local governments can address these challenges through targeted policy interventions, such as expanding telehealth infrastructure in rural or underserved areas, funding community-based mental health initiatives, and supporting workforce diversity efforts to ensure providers reflect the communities they serve.
One reason mental health still feels separate from general healthcare is because funding streams often keep them apart. Many mental health programs are short-term, grant-funded projects, while physical health systems benefit from more stable, long-term funding. That disconnect can make it hard to keep mental wellness services available long-term or to integrate them into larger care systems.
Securing sustainable funding is also vital. Many integrated care programs rely initially on short-term grants, which can hinder long-term planning. Local leaders can explore Medicaid waivers, braided funding models, and public-private partnerships to support ongoing operations. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offer programs like the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, which provides enhanced reimbursement for integrated services7. By aligning funding structures with integration goals, local governments can build systems that are both equitable and resilient.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Integrated Care System
Advancing health and mental wellness through integrated care requires coordinated action across sectors, thoughtful policy design, and sustained investment in people and infrastructure. By embedding mental health into primary care, training a cross-functional workforce, leveraging data, addressing social determinants, and ensuring equitable access, local governments can create systems that meet the complex needs of their communities. The result is not only improved individual outcomes but also stronger, healthier communities overall.
Mental health has long been treated as separate from the rest of healthcare, but that approach no longer serves the real needs of individuals or communities. It's time to stop thinking of mental health as "extra" and start treating it as essential. Municipal leaders, public health professionals, and local service providers each have a role to play in shaping and sustaining these systems. Success depends on their ability to collaborate, innovate, and remain focused on the practical needs of the populations they serve. As integrated care models continue to evolve, ongoing evaluation and community engagement will be essential to ensure these approaches remain responsive, effective, and inclusive.
Bibliography
City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. “Behavioral Health Screening and Integration Initiative.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://dbhids.org/initiatives/integrated-health-care/.
Kroenke, Kurt, Robert L. Spitzer, and Janet B. W. Williams. “The PHQ-9: Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure.” Journal of General Internal Medicine 16, no. 9 (2001): 606-613.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/integrated-care.
Community Care of North Carolina. “Care Coordination.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.communitycarenc.org/what-we-do/care-coordination/.
National Association of Community Health Centers. “PRAPARE Implementation and Action Toolkit.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.nachc.org/research-and-data/prapare/.
City of Austin Public Health Department. “Integrated Care Navigation Services.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/integrated-care-navigation.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program.” Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/ccbhc.
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ABOUT THE ROLE The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, is seeking a dedicated full-time or part-time Forensic Psychiatrist to support the mission of the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This role offers a collaborative, supportive environment with potential for a hybrid work schedule, rotating on-call responsibilities, relocation assistance, and on-site housing in a single-family home for qualifying candidates. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide psychiatric and medical care through consultation, supervision, and partnership with mid-level providers such as Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners. - Develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. - Prepare psychiatric and forensic evaluations for court submission in compliance with statutory deadlines. - Prescribe medications and determine when referrals to other providers or services are appropriate. - Document treatment and services through timely medical reporting. - Offer education, training, or conference instruction in psychiatry and general medicine. - Work with medical school graduates through CMHI's psychiatric internship program. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Graduation from an accredited school of medicine. - Completion of an internship program. - Licensure as a physician by the State of Iowa. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be available for rotating on-call responsibilities. - Hybrid work schedule may be available, but all work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur within the State of Iowa. - Must comply with federal Right to Work laws and pass E-Verify employment eligibility confirmation. SELECTION PROCESS - This is a non-merit position exempt from the standard screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. - Candidates will be evaluated based on their resume, cover letter, and qualifications for the forensic psychiatry role. - New hires must be verified through the federal E-Verify system. HOW TO APPLY - Send a resume and cover letter directly to the Point of Contact: Brad Wittrock. - Email: bradley.wittrock@hhs.iowa.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: State of Iowa - Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care - Job Number: 27-00659 - Job Type: Full-time or Part-time - Location: Cherokee Mental Health Institute, Cherokee County, IA - Opening Date: 09/03/2026 - Closing Date: 10/04/2026 at 11:59 PM Central - Agency Address: Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319 - Benefits: Day-one eligibility for health, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, paid holidays); retirement plans (IPERS and Retirement Investors Club with state match); flexible spending accounts; life and free long-term disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program; and employee discount programs. Relocation assistance and on-site housing are also available.
ABOUT THE ROLE This role provides full psychiatric care for patients at Torrance State Hospital, supporting each patient's path toward stability. The position requires leadership, attention to detail, and collaboration with medical and clinical partners to lead treatment efforts and deliver high-quality care. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Patient Assessment: Conduct detailed psychiatric examinations and establish accurate diagnoses. - Treatment Planning: Develop individual treatment plans by directing team discussions and using interdisciplinary input. - Medical Interpretation: Review consultations, lab results, and clinical studies to determine appropriate treatment orders. - Emergency Response: Lead psychiatric and medical emergency actions, provide direction, and apply trained procedures. - Documentation Preparation: Produce reports, progress notes, treatment reviews, and competency assessments. - Court Participation: Testify at hearings related to commitments, competency, and guardianship. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Completion of a residency or training program in psychiatry which meets the certification requirements of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as issued by the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure, or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. - A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination. - This position falls under the Older Adult Protective Services Act, requiring submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including PA State Police and FBI clearance. - Pennsylvania residency requirement is currently waived for this title. - Must be able to perform essential job functions. SELECTION PROCESS - Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as the exam for this position. - No additional written exam at a test center is required. - Score is based on the detailed information provided on the application and in response to supplemental questions. - The score is valid for this specific posting only. - Applicants may only apply or test once for this posting. - Results will be provided via email. HOW TO APPLY - Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed. Eligibility information must be provided directly on the application. - Applications must be submitted by the closing date: September 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Late applications will not be accepted. - Generative AI tools may be used for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent information or assist during interviews is not permitted. - Contact for inquiries: Sandra Schleicher, saschleich@pa.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time - Department: Department of Human Services, Torrance State Hospital - Location: 121 Longview Drive, Torrance, PA 15779 (Westmoreland County, PA) - Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Possible evening, weekend, and holiday on-call hours. - Telework: Not available for this position. - Union: PDA - Pennsylvania Doctor Alliance (Bargaining Unit T4) - Note: This is a reposting. Applicants from the previous posting (August 10, 2026 to August 29, 2026) cannot submit a new application.
ABOUT THE ROLE Under general supervision, performs professional nursing duties in hospitals, emergency hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, and other institutions within the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). SFDPH prioritizes equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare, values workforce diversity, and focuses on advancing equity across race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, disability, and immigration status. Employees work across the San Francisco Health Network, Population Health, Behavioral Health Services, and Administration to deliver services and support communities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provides nursing care to patients within an assigned hospital unit, clinic, or any SFDPH setting - Observes and reports symptoms and conditions of patients - Takes and records vital signs or other diagnostics including temperatures, respiration, and pulse - Reports unusual occurrences and unusual results of treatments - Sets up treatment trays, prepares instruments, and other equipment - Implements medical and nursing care plans - Directs and supervises the patient care provided by nursing personnel - Maintains standard unit or clinic activities - Assists in administering highly specialized therapy - Maintains records reflecting patients' condition, medication, treatment, and reactions - Follows regulations, policies, and procedures for nursing care - May direct the work of auxiliary sub-professional personnel in assisting with patient care and sanitation - Performs other related duties as assigned or required MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - License: Possession of a valid permanent or temporary (including interim permit) California Registered Nurse License. License status must be "Current" according to search.dca.ca.gov. - Experience: At least one (1) year of experience working as a Registered Nurse (one year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours based on a 40-hour work week). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - License number must be explicitly included in the application to avoid rejection. - Applicants must clearly state how they meet the minimum qualifications. - Verification of qualifying education and experience may be required at any point during the recruitment process. - Complete and verifiable registered nursing employment history (up to 21 years) must be included to determine the appropriate salary step. - Many positions at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) start on the night shift (e.g., 7:00pm-7:00am). - Falsifying education, training, or work experience may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities. SELECTION PROCESS - Completion of a questionnaire regarding experience and licensure as part of the application. - Consolidated recruitment process: applicants will be considered for all nursing specialties. - Additional selection processes may be conducted by the hiring department prior to final hiring decisions. - Certification follows the Rule of the List. - An eligible list of applicant names will be created and remains active for a maximum of six (6) months. HOW TO APPLY - Submit applications exclusively through the City and County of San Francisco online portal (SmartRecruiters) at https://careers.sf.gov/ - Use a personal email address that is checked regularly, not a shared or work email. - Ensure first and last name match legal ID for verification. - Retain the confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com as proof of submission. - For questions, contact Katrina Navarro at katrina.navarro@sfdph.org or (628) 271-6717. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Public Health - Job Class: 2320-Registered Nurse - Role Type: Permanent Civil Service - Hours: Full-time (Part-time also noted) - Exam Type: Continuous - Recruitment ID: CCT-2320-H00083 - Application Deadline: Continuous
ABOUT THE ROLE Correctional Health Services (CHS) is seeking a collaborative, visible, and highly accountable Chief Nursing Officer to provide executive leadership for nursing and clinical support services within a complex, 24/7 correctional healthcare system. Reporting to the CHS Director and serving on the Senior Executive Team, the CNO is responsible for strategic, clinical, operational, workforce, and fiscal leadership across all CHS facilities. The role ensures nursing operations support evidence-based, medically necessary, integrated healthcare for patients in the Maricopa County jail system. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for nursing across all CHS facilities and 24/7 operations. - Serve as the senior nursing executive and principal advisor to the CHS Director. - Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate Nursing Managers and other nursing leaders. - Establish and evaluate standards of nursing practice to ensure safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care. - Collaborate with CHS Administration, Chief Medical Officer, and interdisciplinary leaders to promote integrated care. - Partner with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) on operational matters while maintaining clinical independence. - Develop and evaluate nursing staffing models and ensure appropriate clinical coverage across facilities and shifts. - Provide executive oversight of scheduling, workforce utilization, and strategies to manage vacancies and overtime. - Partner with Human Resources to strengthen recruitment, retention, and workforce development. - Use clinical, operational, and financial data to establish priorities and drive measurable improvement. - Maintain continuous nursing readiness for accreditation, regulatory review, and audits. - Participate in Electronic Health Record (EHR) governance, optimization, and workflow evaluation. - Provide executive leadership during significant clinical events, emergencies, or critical incidents. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Seven years of nursing experience in a hospital, ambulatory, correctional, behavioral health, or similarly complex healthcare environment. 2. Two years of nursing leadership experience involving supervision, management, or clinical oversight of nurses and healthcare professionals. 3. Valid, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing or a multistate license recognized by Arizona. 4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. 5. Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field may substitute for up to two years of the required general professional nursing experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must maintain active and valid BLS/CPR certification meeting CHS requirements. - Must obtain Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification within 12 months of appointment and maintain it throughout employment. - Must successfully complete and maintain background, security clearance, and other requirements for MCSO secured facilities access. - Ability to work inside a jail, stand, walk, and bend for extended periods, and perform physical tasks like CPR, pushing equipment, climbing stairs, and lifting patients. - Availability outside traditional business hours, including weekends and holidays, for emergencies. - Travel between CHS clinical locations within a 5-mile radius is required. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Consideration is only given to candidates who submit online applications. 2. Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile. 3. Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation, including drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions. HOW TO APPLY Submit an online application through the Maricopa County Workday portal. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: 3250 W Lower Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85009 - Time Type: Full time - Job Type: Unclassified - Department: Correctional Health - Posting Date: 09/09/26 - Application Deadline: Open Until Filled - Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, work-life balance, growth opportunities, low-cost healthcare, child care benefits (Maricopa County Kids Club), paid vacation/sick/parental leave, extensive wellness program, and enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System (11.98% contribution with 100% employer match on Day 1).
ABOUT THE ROLE The New York City Police Department seeks an outstanding Psychologist to serve as Deputy Director of the Behavioral Care and Support Section (BCSS). This role focuses on the management, administration, and coordination of fitness for duty and psychiatric/psychological evaluations for police officers and civilian members, supporting the NYPD's mission to maintain order and protect the people. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage, administer, and coordinate fitness for duty evaluations for NYPD police officers. - Manage, administer, and coordinate psychiatric and psychological evaluations for civilian and uniformed members of the NYPD. - Supervise and oversee the work activities of uniformed and civilian personnel, including psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and externs. - Provide training and supervision to psychologists conducting fitness for duty evaluations, mental health assessments, and psychological testing. - Conduct candidate evaluation, assessment, and testing, engage in research projects, and attend division conferences. - Provide clinical supervision to the Counseling Services Unit. - Support the Legal Bureau on Civil Service Commission appeal cases and provide expert testimony. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. A doctorate degree in psychology from an accredited college and five years of full-time, satisfactory professional psychological experience in a recognized setting (hospital, law enforcement, clinic, social agency, school, etc.), with at least eighteen months in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity, AND a valid New York State license as a Psychologist; or 2. A valid New York State license to practice medicine, possession of a valid Board Certification in Psychiatry, and two years of full-time, satisfactory professional psychological or psychiatric experience in a recognized setting, with at least eighteen months in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity; or 3. Education and/or experience equivalent to the above, provided the candidate holds the required doctorate and psychology license, or medical license and psychiatry board certification, plus the mandatory eighteen months of administrative or supervisory experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Minimum of 5 years of experience and competence in fitness for duty evaluation, psychological evaluation, pre-employment mental health assessment, and psychological testing. - Supervisory experience is mandatory. - Must reside within the NYPS required New York State Counties. - Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete employment eligibility verification upon hire. SELECTION PROCESS - Exam may be required. HOW TO APPLY - Click the Apply button on the official posting or visit http://cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for JOB ID # 798609. - All applications must be forwarded to the Chief Surgeons' Office, Medical Division, 16th floor. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Police Department / Medical DIV/CIV And Cadet - Location: 1 Lefrak City, Queens (NYC-ALL BOROS) - Schedule: Full-Time - Number of positions: 1 - Posted until: 10/04/2026 - Category: Health - Residency: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City employees with 2 continuous years of service may be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. - Benefits: Comprehensive package including health insurance for employee and eligible dependents, union benefits (dental and vision), paid annual and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional pre-tax savings programs (Deferred Compensation, IRA, flexible spending account).
ABOUT THE ROLE Join the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to conduct forensic psychological evaluations for youth involved in the justice system under RCW 10.77. This role provides expert testimony, completes psychological assessments, and writes reports to help courts make informed decisions about young people's mental health and legal competence. This position is also eligible as a 12-month In-Training opportunity for candidates with a doctorate degree who are not yet licensed, working as a Psychologist 3 under supervision until Washington State psychology licensure is obtained. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Conduct forensic evaluations for courts, including assessments of competence to stand trial, mental state, clinical diagnoses, developmental status, risk, and restoration potential - Interview youth, review records, consult collateral sources, and administer psychological tests - Write clear, objective reports to inform court decisions - Provide expert testimony as needed - Offer competence restoration services for youth when indicated - Travel within Washington State for interviews and court appearances - Complete necessary documentation and support the clinical team MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program - Possession of a license to practice psychology in the State of Washington (or eligible for the 12-month In-Training Psychologist 3 track if unlicensed but holding a doctorate) - One year of post-doctoral work with forensic populations (adults or juveniles) - Ability and experience to independently complete juvenile competency forensic evaluations SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Telework up to 2 days per week may be available - Pierce County employees are eligible for an Orca Card for transportation needs - Valid driver's license required for employees driving on state business - Liability insurance required if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business - Must disclose any relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within the potential supervisory chain of command per DSHS nepotism policy SELECTION PROCESS - Background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire - This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit an application through the State of Washington employment portal 2. For questions about this recruitment, contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 04423 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) - Division: BHHA - Job Type: Full Time - Permanent - Job Number: 2026-04423 - Location: Pierce County - Lakewood, WA - Opening Date: 09/03/2026 - Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific - DSHS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fairness, access, and social justice. Accommodations are available upon request.
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