Counseling Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Help Individuals, Families, and Our Community Thrive - Join Our Behavioral Health Team! 

Positions Available: Counselor Trainee | Associate Counselor | Licensed Counselor

Location: Puyallup Tribal Health Authority | Tacoma, WA

Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt

Position Close Date: June 25, 2026

Hiring Salaries: 

Counselor Trainee ($72,321.60)

Associate Counselor ($85,933.58-$92,071.69)

Licensed Counselor ($93,662.40-$103,703.41)

At Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA), we believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and culturally responsive care. We are seeking dedicated Counselors at various stages of their careers - from recent graduates beginning their counseling journey to fully licensed clinicians - to provide meaningful support to individuals, families, and our community.

Whether you are completing your path to licensure or are an experienced clinician, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that values professional growth, cultural humility, and whole-person wellness.

What You'll Do:

As a Counselor, you'll work in a supportive and collaborative environment rooted in cultural humility, integrity and compassion. Whether through individual counseling, school-based services, community outreach, or crisis response, our work is infused with meaning and heart. In this role, you'll:

• Conduct behavioral health assessments and comprehensive intake interviews 
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans 
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling services 
• Support clients experiencing mental health and substance use concerns using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT 
• Respond to crisis situations and coordinate care with medical, behavioral health, and community partners 
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and client records 
• Participate in prevention, outreach, and community education activities 
• Serve a diverse client population across all ages and backgrounds 
• Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that supports the well-being of Native communities

Why PTHA?

We are more than a clinic - we're a culturally grounded, patient-first health and wellness center serving the Indigenous community. We value teamwork, integrity, and community well-being. Here, your work has meaning.

• Work in a mission-driven, accredited organization
• Serve a close-knit patient population in an urban reservation setting
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and training
• Experience a strong support system and inclusive team culture

Perks of the Role:

• Make a Real Impact - Connect patients with timely, life-changing care
• Meaningful Mission - Contribute to the overall wellness of a tribally operated health organization dedicated to serving the Indigenous community
• Competitive Compensation - Receive a fair salary that reflects your expertise and the impact of your work
• Supportive Team Culture - Join a collaborative and inclusive environment where respect and ethics are core values
• Cultural Enrichment - Work in an organization that values and integrates Indigenous traditions, community care, and cultural sensitivity
• Stability & Impact - Be part of a long-standing, accredited institution that plays a vital role in community health and development

PTHA Employee Benefits:

• Supportive environment that values a healthy work/life balance
• Medical/Dental/Vision monthly premiums paid 100% by PTHA for employees (health coverage begins the first of the month following hire date)
• (13) annual leave (vacation) days + (13) annual sick leave days
• (18+) annual paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• 401(k) with annual profit-sharing contributions after (2) years of service
• Life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Have student loans? PTHA is an approved loan repayment site for various student loan programs

If you're inspired to serve with compassion and cultural respect, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your whole self - your skills, your spirit, your story - and help us continue the sacred work of healing.

In accordance with federal law, Native American Preference in employment applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.

Requirements

Counselor Trainee: Ideal for recent graduates seeking supervised clinical experience.

• Master's degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Health field 
• Completion of graduate practicum and/or internship with supervised clinical experience 
• Active WA State Agency Affiliated Counselor credential (or pending status) 
• Ability to obtain and sit for the applicable state/national licensure examination within six (6) months of hire 
• Experience with electronic health records preferred 

Counselor Associate: Ideal for clinicians working toward independent licensure.

• Master's degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Health field 
• Current WA State Associate license as a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist 
• Experience with electronic health records preferred

Licensed Counselor: Ideal for experienced clinicians ready to practice independently and provide advanced clinical services.

• Master's degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Health field 
• Current WA State license as a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist 
• Minimum three (3) years of behavioral health experience providing counseling services to individuals, families, and groups 
• Experience with electronic health records preferred