DSHS OHBH Mental Health Technician 3
State of Washington
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Job summary
Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila, Washington, seeks a Mental Health Technician 3 to provide direct nursing care and maintain a safe, recovery‑oriented environment under RN supervision. You will monitor patients with complex needs, document conditions, and assist in coordinating care within a multidisciplinary team.
The role emphasizes crisis de-escalation, therapeutic communication, and adherence to state regulations, with on-site responsibilities and opportunities for
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct nursing care and maintain a safe therapeutic environment by monitoring patient behavior and de-escalating situations as needed.
- Observe and document patient conditions, including vital signs and responses to interventions.
- Communicate changes in patient condition to RN staff and follow treatment plans.
- Orient, mentor, and train newly assigned staff on ward tasks and procedures.
- Follow hospital policies and applicable regulations.
- Escort and transport patients as needed.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Join our team as a Mental Health Technician 3 (MHT3) at Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila! As part of the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA), you’ll work alongside a dedicated team providing compassionate, recovery-oriented care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric and physical health challenges.
DSHS OHBH – Mental Health Technician 3 (MHT3) at Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila! As part of the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA), you’ll work alongside a dedicated team providing compassionate, recovery-oriented care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric and physical health challenges. In this role, you’ll help maintain a safe therapeutic environment while providing nursing care and support to patients with complex needs and high-risk behaviors under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). Your work will contribute to patient safety, recovery, and overall well-being while supporting OHBH’s mission and commitment to quality care.
- Provide direct nursing care and maintain a safe therapeutic environment by monitoring patient behavior, responding to behavioral concerns, and de-escalating situations as needed.
- Observe and document patient conditions and activities, including vital signs, eating habits, behaviors, and responses to therapeutic interventions.
- Communicate changes in patient condition and other relevant clinical observations to Registered Nurse (RN) staff and provide care according to established treatment plans.
- Orient, mentor, and train newly assigned staff on ward or living unit administrative tasks and procedures.
- Follow hospital policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations and standards.
- Escort and transport patients as needed.
- Monitor ward or living unit supplies and equipment, maintain inventories, and rotate stock to prevent expiration.
- Support unit operations by assisting patients with personal property, valuables, and funds; conducting environmental rounds; and coordinating maintenance requests and contractor access to ensure a safe environment.
- A high school diploma or equivalent AND
- Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
- Ability to de-escalate crisis situations and respond therapeutically to patients exhibiting angry, aggressive, or high-risk behaviors.
- Ability to provide respectful, non-threatening care that protects patient rights, promotes independence, and supports recovery.
- Knowledge of mental illness, recovery principles, group behavior, and group facilitation techniques.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public, including sharing relevant patient observations with clinical staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and resolve conflicts calmly and professionally.
- Knowledge of infection control practices, universal precautions, and applicable hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Skill in operating computers, copy machines, metal detectors, and patient lifting equipment safely and proficiently.
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
- 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.
Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila, Washington, is a 74-bed state‑operated facility acquired by DSHS in 2023 to expand access to psychiatric care. Serving civilly committed patients, OHBH provides evidence-based treatment through a multidisciplinary team of psychiatric, nursing, rehabilitation, and social work professionals. With a focus on stabilization and recovery, OHBH helps patients manage mental health symptoms and prepare for a successful transition back into the community.
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.
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.
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.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 nonovertime 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.
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.
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 nonovertime 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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
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.
Updated 01-07-2026
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