DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

---------------

We're hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist 3, formerly known as an Institutional Counselor 3. In this role, you will work closely with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions with residents. The interventions implemented will be for residents with mental illnesses, and will primarily focus on competency restoration, illness management, recovery strategies, and life skill development.

The Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for identifying, implementing, and integrating evidence-based practices into current therapeutic programming. This individual must demonstrate a strong ability to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities, while applying recovery-oriented principles of mental illness treatment. Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Specialist 4, the specialist will document patient progress in accordance with applicable standards and Behavioral Health and Treatment Center (BHTC) guidelines, maintaining accurate, timely, and person-centered records.

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

Schedule: 3:00pm-11:30pm, Thursday-Monday

• Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, and facility rules
  
• Encourage residents to participate in treatment and recreation activities; interact with residents daily
  
• Transport residents while at the appointments
  
• Remain with residents while at the appointments
  
• Assist with problem solving and informal counseling, individually and in small groups
  
• Facilitate or assist with small group sessions and participate in meetings on treatment progress
  
• Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation skills
  
• Attend treatment team and daily team meetings; provide shift updates
  
• Monitor residents and maintain a safe, secure living environment; conduct proper security procedures
  

A Bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science

AND

Two years of professional counseling or casework experience (or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness)

OR

One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2

OR

Equivalent education/relevant experience

• Communicate effectively in person with clients and colleagues
  
• Evaluate persons or situations and adopt a proper course of action
  
• Communicate effectively in writing
  
• Experience with group processes
  
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and de-escalation skills emphasizing least-restrictive interventions
  
• Experience and/or training in trauma-informed care
  
• Experience working in a psychiatric care setting
  
• Experience and/or training in non-violent crisis intervention strategies
  

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.

----------------------------

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.