School Based Counselor in Tacoma, Washington at Puyallup Tribal Health Authority

Make a Meaningful Difference Where it Matters Most — Join Our Behavioral Health Team!

Schedule: Full-Time | Salary/Exempt

Hiring Salary: $85,924.80 - $92,071.69 per year

Position Close Date: September 11, 2026

Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA) is looking for a compassionate and culturally responsive School Based Counselor to join our Integrated Behavioral Health team. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to build trusted relationships with students and families, provide meaningful behavioral health support, and help young people navigate challenges while building healthier, more successful futures.

What You’ll Do:

Working in partnership with Chief Leschi Schools, the School Based Counselor brings behavioral health services directly into the school environment — making support more accessible and creating opportunities for early intervention, prevention, and connection to care.

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling services to students and families in a school or clinical setting.
• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments that consider each student’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
• Develop individualized treatment plans with students and families that reflect their goals and voices.
• Provide screening, intervention, and support for students experiencing mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, using evidence-based approaches.
• Partner with students, parents/guardians, school staff, healthcare providers, and community resources to coordinate care and support student success.
• Identify students who may benefit from additional services and connect them with appropriate internal and external resources.
• Provide prevention, outreach, education, and recovery support activities for students, families, and the broader community.
• Collaborate with Chief Leschi Schools to identify and support youth who may be at increased risk or in need of additional assistance.
• Participate in clinical team meetings, treatment coordination, peer review, and clinical supervision.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with state, licensing, accreditation, and PTHA requirements.
• Build positive, collaborative relationships across PTHA, the school, Tribal community, and other partner organizations.
• Incorporate cultural awareness, respect, and a holistic approach into behavioral health services.

Why PTHA?

At PTHA, behavioral health is about more than treating symptoms — it’s about supporting the whole person and strengthening the health and well-being of our community.

As a School Based Counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference early, develop meaningful relationships with youth and families, and work alongside a collaborative team committed to culturally responsive, accessible care.

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 passionate about supporting young people, believe in the power of early intervention, and want your work to have a meaningful impact in the community, we’d love to hear from you.

Join PTHA and help create healthier pathways for the next generation.

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

• Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field.
• Current WA State license or associate license as a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist.
• At least one (1) year of experience providing direct behavioral health counseling to individuals, families, and/or groups.
• Current and valid WA State Driver’s License.
• Experience using electronic health records or practice management systems.
• Current BLS certification.
• Experience with prevention and SBIRT programs preferred.