DSHS CTSC Behavioral Health Specialist 3

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Join us in making a meaningful impact as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA. In this vital role, you will deliver specialized training to direct care staff and provide intensive, therapeutic interventions to patients experiencing mental health crises. As a key member of the clinical team, you’ll contribute to patient care within the framework of the Recovery Model while supporting treatment planning through data collection, process improvement activities, and communication. Reporting to the Hospital Accreditation and Compliance Coordinator, you’ll help ensure a safe, trauma-informed environment for both staff and patients through expert instruction and responsive care.

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5-17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

• Assess staff competency post-training, provide feedback and remedial support as needed, and document outcomes for supervisory review.
  
• Serve as an active member of the Behavioral Health Specialist 3, responding to behavioral crises using therapeutic intervention techniques to ensure patient and staff safety.
  
• Provide direct patient intervention during psychiatric emergencies, assist with crisis de-escalation, and implement least restrictive interventions when appropriate.
  
• Participate in process improvement activities by collecting data and/or feedback from various departments.
  
• Participate in clinical risk management meetings or audits for purposes of improving patient and staff safety protocols.
  
• Conduct structured incident debriefs, support staff in developing corrective action plans, and participate in safety committee efforts to improve facility-wide safety practices.
  
• Observe and report on patients� physical, mental, and behavioral status, using communication strategies to reduce the need for restraint or seclusion.
  
• Support direct care teams in patient areas by conducting rounds, reporting milieu concerns, and contributing to a safe, therapeutic environment.
  

• Knowledge of hospital, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to patient safety and emergency response.
  
• Strong understanding of therapeutic communication techniques and principles of trauma-informed care.
  
• Proficiency in verbal de-escalation strategies and personal conflict resolution in high-stress environments.
  
• Familiarity with incident command systems, seclusion/restraint protocols, and structured debriefing practices.
  
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, perform physical interventions, and demonstrate safe restraint application.
  
• Capacity to remain calm and decisive during psychiatric emergencies and effectively intervene in behavioral crises.
  

Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines in a fast-paced hospital setting.

We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• A bachelor�s degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science, AND two years of professional counseling or casework experience.
  

• One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2/Institutional Counselor 2
  

A combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary skills for success in this role

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
• 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.
  

The Behavioral Health Specialist 3 job classification was formerly titled Institutional Counselor 3. This title change went into effect on July 1, 2025.

Along with your application, please include:* An updated resume

• Proof of your highest level of education completed
  

Three professional references with contact information

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

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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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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