DSHS Steilacoom Behavioral Health Specialist 3

DSHS Steilacoom - Behavioral Health Specialist 3 We're hiring a temporary Behavioral Health Specialist 3, formerly known as Institutional Counselor 3 for our Behavioral Health and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will work closely with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions with residents. The interventions implemented will be for residents with mental illnesses, and will primarily focus on competency restoration, illness management, recovery strategies, and life skill development. The Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for identifying, implementing, and integrating evidence-based practices into current therapeutic programming. This individual must demonstrate a strong ability to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities, while applying recovery-oriented principles of mental illness treatment. Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Specialist 4, the specialist will document patient progress in accordance with applicable standards and Behavioral Health and Treatment Centers (BHTC) guidelines, maintaining accurate, timely, and person-centered records. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Location: Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood. Some Of What You'll Do Provide daily guidance to residents on facility policies, procedures, and expectations Encourage and support resident participation in treatment, recreation, and skill-building activities Transport and accompany residents to appointments, ensuring safety and appropriate supervision Assist with problem-solving and provide informal counseling in individual and small group settings Facilitate or support group sessions and contribute to discussions on treatment progress Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation and intervention techniques Monitor resident activity, follow security procedures, and help maintain a safe and structured environment Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, colleagues, and treatment teams Ability to assess situations, think critically, and take appropriate, timely action Experience facilitating or participating in group processes and therapeutic activities Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effective de-escalation techniques, with an emphasis on least-restrictive interventions Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in a treatment setting Experience working in a psychiatric or behavioral health care environment Training or experience in non-violent crisis intervention and behavior management strategies Who should apply? We Are Looking For Professionals Who Have A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science AND At least two years of professional counseling or casework experience OR One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 OR An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years Additional information: Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. About Behavioral Health Treatment Center - Steilacoom Unit The Steilacoom Unit is a 30-bed Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood, providing court-ordered competency restoration services to individuals who are unable to participate in legal proceedings due to a mental health condition. The unit offers structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management to help residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, and strengthen communication skills. The treatment approach follows an evidence-based curriculum designed to support competency restoration. The program is recovery-focused and person-centered, involving residents in their treatment planning and supporting transitions back to the legal system or, when necessary, to longer-term psychiatric care. Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number #08481 . 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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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. 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. Relationship and Reporting Structure (N... Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Please select the option that best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position: I have a Bachelor’s degree (preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science) and at least two years of professional counseling or casework experience. I have one year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2. I have an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years. I do not meet any of the above qualifications. Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington