DSHS BHA Institutional Counselor Supervisor

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Grand Mound (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative behavioral health treatment center is seeking a dedicated Institutional Counselor Supervisor to lead a team of counselors and enhance resident treatment at Maple Lane. In this role, you will ensure compliance with regulations, develop training programs, and foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in need of care, while collaborating with a passionate team committed to community-based recovery. Join a forward-thinking organization that values equity and social justice, and help shape the future of behavioral health in Washington State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant experience required.
• Preferred experience in behavioral management and mental health settings.

Responsibilities

• Ensure staff compliance with treatment facility regulations.
• Assist in developing and updating work instructions and policies.
• Lead supervision and training for Institutional Counselors.

Skills

Behavioral management

Mental health experience

Training others

De-escalation skills

Incident response

Effective communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

DSHS BHA Program Specialist 3-Institutional Counselor Supervisor

Join our team as an Institutional Counselor Supervisor at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA.

Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed, in need of competency restoration, or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. Treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.

As Institutional Counselor Supervisor, you will ensure that Institutional Counselors 3 are effectively trained and supported to enhance resident treatment and safety. Additionally, you'll collaborate with program leaders, staff, and external organization representatives to identify and define needs and activities at Maple Lane.

Maple Lane is a key business unit of DSHS's Behavioral Health Administration, where our dedicated staff offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.

You can select the shifts that interest you in the Supplemental Question section of your online application. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. 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.

Some of what you will do:

• Ensure milieu staff are following Residential Treatment Facility WACs, and RCWs.
• Assist with developing, reviewing, and updating work instructions and policies.
• Work with the Clinical Services Manager to design and plan specialized program activities.
• Monitor and track patient participation and Institutional Counselor staff employment standards.
• Assist the Training Specialist in the development and facilitation of staff training.
• Lead group supervision of Institutional Counselors.

Who should apply:
Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government. Professional experience will substitute year for year for education.

Behavioral management, mental health or correctional setting work experience with an emphasis on training others, de-escalation, or incident response is preferred.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with management.
• Respond appropriately and cope with adverse behavior from residents.
• Understanding behavioral health conditions.
• Make informed, unbiased, and independent decisions that support leadership and program goals.
• Balance support and boundaries to create healthy cohesive team.
• Demonstrate a capacity for compassion and curiosity towards residents.

Why Join Us?
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:

Questions?Email Morgan Daggi or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 00949.

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 [phone]. 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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