DSHS BHHA ESH Mental Health Technician 2

Salary: $23.14 - $32.56 Hourly
Location : Spokane County - Medical Lake, WA
Job Type: Various Job Types
Job Number: 2026-03579
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description

DSHS BHHA ESH - Mental Health Technician 2 (ESH) is hiring dedicated Behavioral Health Nurse Aides, also known as Mental Health Technicians, to support individuals receiving inpatient treatment for behavioral health conditions.


If you're passionate about helping others and eager to learn, this is a great opportunity to grow in the healthcare field while working alongside experienced Registered Nurses. We provide all the training you need to succeed. The care and support you offer in this role play a vital part in each patient's journey toward recovery.

We are currently hiring for Part Time and On-Call positions.

• Part-Time opportunities: Must have two years of experience in Behavioral Health.
• On-Call opportunities: Must have two years of experience in Behavioral Health and be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, including every weekend and all holidays.
• 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.
• Evening and Night shifts may include a $2.50 per hour shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Some of what you will do:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Follow individual treatment plans in accordance with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
• Support patient safety and comfort by assisting with basic needs, daily activities, and managing personal belongings.
• Identify and respond appropriately to escalating situations, using de-escalation techniques and team support when needed.
• Assist with moving, transferring, escorting, and transporting patients to and from activities.
• Communicate changes in patient condition and other clinical information to Registered Nurses and document appropriately.

Who should apply?
We're looking for applicants who have:

• A high school diploma or GED.
  AND
• A current Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR), Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA), or Medical Assistant (MA) credential.

Preferred knowledge, skills, & abilities:

• Demonstrated patience and compassion when providing healthcare and assistance with daily living activities.
• Ability to recognize and deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, respectful, and non-threatening manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with patients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Awareness of patient safety protocols and the ability to ensure comfort and support in all aspects of care.
• Attentiveness to patients' general health and hygiene needs, including support with bathing, grooming, and personal care tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

All Mental Health Technicians receive classroom and on-the-job training in patient interaction, facility policies and procedures, and effective ward observation.
Candidates selected must be available to complete the ESH New Employee Orientation for two weeks Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm.

About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number #03579.
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.


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
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, 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

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


Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you currently hold one of the following valid credentials in Washington State? Select any that apply

• Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR)
• Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA)
• Medical Assistant (MA)
• None of the above

03


In the space provided, please enter your credential number and license type for your NAR (Nursing Assistant Registration), NAC (Nursing Assistant Certification), or MA (Medical Assistant). If you hold an out-of-state credential, include the number and issuing state. If you do not have any of these credentials, enter "N/A."
04


Do you meet one or both of the following qualifications for consideration at the Mental Health Technician 2 (MHT2) level?

• I have at least two years of experience providing direct care to individuals with behavioral health conditions. (psychiatry, dementia, Alzheimer's, PTSD, substance abuse, department of corrections, Developmental Disabilities).
• I have successfully completed a 12-month in-training plan as a Mental Health Technician 1 (MHT1).
• Neither of the above

05


Please select all the shift(s) and employment type(s) you are interested in from the options below.

• Day Shift: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
• Evening Shift: 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM
• Night: 10:30 PM - 7:00 AM
• Permanent Part-Time Employment
• On-Call Employment (Must be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, including every weekend and all holidays)

Required Question