DSHS WSH Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Lakewood, WA 98499
Description:
Salary: $302,852.00 - $321,852.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00042
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHA
Opening Date: 02/27/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
WSH Deputy Chief Medical Officer- Civil Center for Excellence
Western State Hospital (WSH), one of the nation's largest inpatient psychiatric state hospitals, provides quality behavioral health and medical services to people with serious mental and behavioral health diagnoses. We support sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. As a leader in the behavioral health field, you see yourself assuming a strategic role, becoming part of the solution. Join our team as Civil Center of Excellence (CCE) Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Our team at Western State Hospital is working hard to improve the quality of patient care and the safety of our patients, staff, and community. To help us attain the highest possible level of quality, we are seeking a motivated, board-certified physician (psychiatry, family medicine, or internal medicine) to assume the role of Deputy Chief Medical Officer and help steer efforts to turn ideas into lasting improvements.
You will provide a clinical, administrative perspective as you strategize organizational improvements alongside the Chief Medical Officer and other executive leaders of WSH's Civil Center. You will have the opportunity to exercise both your clinical and leadership skills, grow in your career, and in so doing, affect positive change in the behavioral health needs of Washington state.
At an executive level, you will
One of the biggest rewards unique to public service is that our healthcare staff are able to focus on developing approaches to treatment that prioritize the quality of patient care over profits. Additional benefits and compensation include:
Who should apply
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
This job is classified as Medical Washington Management Services 3. Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation needs. This advertisement has been reopened to allow additional qualified people to apply. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to apply again--your status remains unchanged.
This job advertisement has been reopened to allow additional qualified candidates to apply. If you have already applied, there is no need to reapply-your application status remains unchanged. The hiring supervisor may review applications and make a hiring decision at any time during the advertisement process. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Interested? Be certain to include an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the short application. The resume/CV will be reviewed by the hiring team as they are received.
Questions? Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 00042. We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. To learn more about DSHS, go to
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks
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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
01
By using the short application form, please ensure you upload your current CV/resume for review.Thank you
Required Question
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00042
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHA
Opening Date: 02/27/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
WSH Deputy Chief Medical Officer- Civil Center for Excellence
Western State Hospital (WSH), one of the nation's largest inpatient psychiatric state hospitals, provides quality behavioral health and medical services to people with serious mental and behavioral health diagnoses. We support sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. As a leader in the behavioral health field, you see yourself assuming a strategic role, becoming part of the solution. Join our team as Civil Center of Excellence (CCE) Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Our team at Western State Hospital is working hard to improve the quality of patient care and the safety of our patients, staff, and community. To help us attain the highest possible level of quality, we are seeking a motivated, board-certified physician (psychiatry, family medicine, or internal medicine) to assume the role of Deputy Chief Medical Officer and help steer efforts to turn ideas into lasting improvements.
You will provide a clinical, administrative perspective as you strategize organizational improvements alongside the Chief Medical Officer and other executive leaders of WSH's Civil Center. You will have the opportunity to exercise both your clinical and leadership skills, grow in your career, and in so doing, affect positive change in the behavioral health needs of Washington state.
At an executive level, you will
- Develop and manage medical components of WSH-CCE's operational plan.
- Oversee psychiatric and medical treatment for all WSH-CCE patients.
- Assist with the roll-out of a new and improved electronic health record.
- Supervise WSH-CCE medical staff members, including psychiatrists.
- Ensure patients are receiving consistent, quality care.
- Analyze needs and provide recommendations for policies and procedures.
- Collaborate and coordinate with WSH-CCE executive leadership team, medical staff, business partners, and other business partners in quality improvement initiatives.
- Meet regularly with professional staff, participate in the formulation or revision of policies, attend relevant committee meetings, and evaluate the efficacy of treatment programs.
- Advocate for best practices in the promotion and protection of the health and welfare of patients, staff, and surrounding communities.
- Promote and support efforts toward inclusive environment through positive behavior management techniques.
One of the biggest rewards unique to public service is that our healthcare staff are able to focus on developing approaches to treatment that prioritize the quality of patient care over profits. Additional benefits and compensation include:
- "Day One" benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State.
- WA State retirement pension program and Deferred Compensation Program.
- Generous leave package including Vacation PTO, Sick PTO, and weekend/holidays.
- 24/7 facility pay: For job opportunities requiring at least at least three days/week on-site job duties, on-site work service may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay (on top of advertised salary).
- Employee legal representation and/or indemnification.
Who should apply
- A valid license to practice medicine in the State of Washington (or be able to obtain their WA license prior to the start of their employment).
- Completed an ACGME-approved residency in Psychiatry, Family Medicine, or Internal Medicine.
- Attained board certification in their specialty by the appropriate medical board.
- Experience in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, leadership, and healthcare quality improvement measures.
- A broad understanding of psychiatric illness, civil commitment procedures and applicable laws, medical treatment protocols and/or guidelines for various acute and chronic psychiatric and medical conditions.
- Proficiency in formulating diagnoses, developing multidisciplinary treatment plans, prescribing medications, monitoring treatment progress, and determining treatment efficacy.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Prior experience in hospital administration, management, or leadership.
- Prior experience in quality improvement or quality assurance oversight.
- Evidence-based psychiatric practice and psychopharmacology, evidence-based psychosocial therapies, trauma-informed care and other emerging concepts in the treatment of and recovery from mental illness and behavioral health disorders.
- Effective communication skills, empathy/compassion, and the ability to work well in interdisciplinary treatment settings.
- Awareness of digital health devices and health information technology.
- Prior experience as a supervising psychiatrist is desired as well as training, education, and mentorships of psychiatric residents and students.
This job is classified as Medical Washington Management Services 3. Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation needs. This advertisement has been reopened to allow additional qualified people to apply. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to apply again--your status remains unchanged.
This job advertisement has been reopened to allow additional qualified candidates to apply. If you have already applied, there is no need to reapply-your application status remains unchanged. The hiring supervisor may review applications and make a hiring decision at any time during the advertisement process. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Interested? Be certain to include an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the short application. The resume/CV will be reviewed by the hiring team as they are received.
Questions? Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 00042. We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. To learn more about DSHS, go to
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks
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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
01
By using the short application form, please ensure you upload your current CV/resume for review.Thank you
- General Information
Required Question