DSHS WSH Recreation Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Western State Hospital, an adult psychiatric hospital, has a full‑time opportunity for a Recreation Behavioral Health Specialist. Our Behavioral Health Specialist 3 role is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you plan, acquire supplies, implement, and review active treatment groups and one‑on‑one active treatment. We have a day shift position available in the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Recreation/SECO program. SECO (Staff‑Escorted Community Outings) provides residents who have earned the privilege to go into the community with staff, allowing them to engage in experiences outside the hospital as they progress toward community living. We are hiring for the Evening and Weekend program, full‑time, with four 10‑hour days per week (Wednesday‑Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.). Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are off. 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. Responsibilities Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co‑leading Active Treatment Groups either on‑ward and/or within the treatment mall setting. Participate in staff‑escorted community outings with residents for recreational and community reintegration purposes. Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addenda, and attendance records. Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence‑based treatment for regularly 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 and recreational activities. Qualifications Those with a bachelor’s degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science. Two years of professional counseling or casework experience. Equivalent combination of education/experience. One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2. Employees must 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. Desired 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. Proficiency in oral, written, and electronic communication skills. Willingness to engage with patients in recreational or community settings. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington