DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Western State Hospital, adult psychiatric hospital, is 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 here, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.

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.

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