DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

State of Washington; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington's Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) unit seeks two Behavioral Health Specialist 3s to join the Social Work team. You will support discharge barriers, coordinate services, and assist with community transitions, while collaborating with partners and cross-training with the team.

You will also engage with patients, document services, and help maintain records using standard practices, contributing to stabilization and successful reentry into the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology or related social science and two years of experience with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 required or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients with significant psychiatric symptoms using clear communication and de-escalation skills.
• Coordinate and facilitate patient services including visitation, authorized leave, and other assigned services.
• Support discharge and community transitions by transportation to placements and preparing discharge packets.
• Maintain and document patient interactions in the medical record per standards.
• Provide administrative support to the Social Work team and maintain patient information in systems.
• Maintain cross-training and cover responsibilities for other staff as needed.

Skills

Clear communication

De‑escalation

Team player

Mobility safety

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology or related field

Two years experience with clients in psychiatric/mental health setting

One year as Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Teams

Excel

Job description

DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH), operated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is seeking 2 dedicated and compassionate Behavioral Health Specialist 3s to join our Social Work team.

OHBH is a 72-bed state‑operated psychiatric facility providing evidence‑based treatment to civilly committed patients experiencing significant psychiatric disabilities. Our team works together to support stabilization, recovery, and successful transition back to the community.

As a Behavioral Health Specialist 3, you will play an important role in helping patients navigate discharge barriers, legal needs, and the services and supports needed for successful transition to the community. You will provide direct patient support, coordinate visitation and authorized leave activities, assist with discharge‑related services, and provide administrative support to the Social Work team. You will also collaborate with community partners and other professionals involved in patient services. BHS3 staff are cross‑trained and provide coverage and support for one another as needed.

This is an opportunity to build valuable experience in behavioral health while developing skills in patient engagement, care coordination, discharge planning, and collaboration with community partners. As a member of the Social Work team, this position also provides exposure to the field of social work and the opportunity to learn about the role of social workers in behavioral health treatment and discharge planning.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Provide direct support to patients experiencing significant psychiatric symptoms, using effective communication, sound judgment, and de‑escalation skills.
• Coordinate and facilitate patient services, which may include visitation, authorized leave, pre‑placement visits, interpretive services, and other assigned services.
• Support discharge and community transitions by assisting with transportation to placements, preparing discharge packets, and maintaining accurate discharge‑related information.
• Provide administrative and patient support to the Social Work team, including maintaining patient information in WellSky and TDPS and coordinating other assigned administrative tasks.
• Document relevant patient interactions, services, and activities in the medical record in accordance with established documentation standards.
• Maintain cross‑training in the responsibilities of other BHS3 staff and provide coverage and support as needed.

We Are Looking For Professionals Who Demonstrate

• Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in both speech and in written documentation.
• Exceptional de‑escalation skills with patients.
• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non‑threatening manner.
• Ability to ambulate safely in patient care areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet time‑sensitive deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation and records.

Who should apply?

• Those with a bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science AND two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting
• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
• Equivalent education/relevant experience

Additional requirements

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Must obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential within 60 days of hire and maintain the credential as required.
• Must successfully complete OHBH screening requirements.
• Must successfully complete required DSHS, BHHA, OHBH, and other applicable trainings.
• Must meet applicable employee health requirements.
• Must successfully pass the DSHS criminal background check required for the position.
• Must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Why join us?

• Make an impact: Support patients on their recovery journey and contribute to successful transitions back into the community.
• Professional growth: Gain experience in behavioral health, de‑escalation, care coordination, discharge processes, court systems, community resources, and patient services.
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
• Compensation: King County employees receive a 5% premium in addition to the advertised salary.
• Transportation: Employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card.

Questions? Contact DSHS Recruiter and reference 08424.

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.

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 (N

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

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