DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Salary: $57,252.00 - $76,968.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-02038
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description


Western State Hospital, adult psychiatric hospital, are hiring for a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join our Rehabilitation team at the Civil Center. As a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 you'll help patients practice the skills they need to regain stability and independence. In this role, you will work directly with adults receiving psychiatric care, supporting them through structured activities, therapeutic groups and one-on-one engagement that promotes recovery and well-being.

Our Behavioral Health Specialist 3 career (formerly called Institution Counselor 3) is an exciting opportunity in state government where you have the ability to grow and enjoy the work you do. You'll work as part of an interdisciplinary team, working closely with nurses, therapists, social workers and other treatment professionals. Together, you will help create a safe and respectful environment where patients can participate in meaningful treatment and build confidence in their ability to move forward. Your work plays an important role in supporting recovery within the hospital setting.

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 hours include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.


Some of what you'll do

• Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co-leading Active Treatment Groups either on-ward and/or within the treatment mall setting.
• Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addendums, and attendance records.
• Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence-based treatment for regular occurring events and one-time engagements.
• Attend treatment team and daily team meetings to discuss progress, share input, and provide a strategy for patient treatment.
• Research evidence-based practices and group preparation.
• Order/gather supplies for groups, and escort patients to and from activities and groups.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing court-ordered Staff Escorted Community Outings.

Who should apply?
Those with a bachelor's degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science.
AND
Two years of professional counseling or casework experience.
OR
Equivalent combination of education/experience.
OR
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2.
Employees obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment. More information can be found , and our team can offer support and guidance during onboarding.
Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Experience with counseling/teaching in a group setting.
• In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics.
• Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles.
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision.
• Proficient in oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

Questions? If you have questions about the application process, please email Georgina Pringle, DSHS Recruiter, at and reference job number 02038.
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 experience leading or co-leading treatment-based groups or other types of learning environments?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have experience working within an interdisciplinary team?

• Yes
• No

Required Question