DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Grand Mound (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Maple Lane Campus in Centralia, WA. You will support residents in a structured environment, providing daily care, guidance, and treatment participation facilitation within a multi-unit campus.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and at least two years of counseling or casework experience in behavioral health, with a willingness to work on-site and potentially

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science.
• 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness.

Responsibilities

• 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 to and from appointments in the community.
• 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.

Skills

De-escalation

Counseling

Group facilitation

Interpersonal communication

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or related social science

Job description

BHHA Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Join our team as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center (BHTC) - Maple Lane Campus in Centralia, WA.

BHTC - Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. There are 4 units at the campus with more onboarding over the upcoming years. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State's vision of community-based care. By treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.

Being a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 offers a chance to truly impact people's lives. You get to provide essential daily support, guidance, and care to people in need, helping them navigate behavioral health circumstances. It's about making a difference, building trust, and fostering positive change in a structured environment. Plus, you'll work with a team of dedicated professionals, gaining valuable experience in behavioral health and social services.

The Behavioral Health and Treatment Center at Maple Lane Campus is a pioneering competent of DSHS' Behavioral & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), 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 BHHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.

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.

Please note: This posting can be used to fill various openings.

Some Of What You Will Do

• 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 to and from appointments in the community.
• 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.
• And more!

Who Should Apply

• Professionals with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science
• And 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness

Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above.

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.

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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEPOTISM) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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