DSHS OHBH Mental Health Technician 3

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA transit card

Additional 5% premium for on-site ≥3 d

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila seeks a Mental Health Technician 3 to provide compassionate, recovery‑oriented nursing care to patients with complex needs under RN supervision.

You will de-escalate crises, monitor vital signs, document observations, mentor new staff, and ensure a safe environment while following established treatment plans and hospital policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• Ability to de-escalate crisis situations and respond therapeutically to patients.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

De-escalation

Effective communication

Infection control

Team collaboration

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computers

Copy machines

Metal detectors

Patient lifting equipment

Job description

Description

DSHS OHBH – Mental Health Technician 3 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.
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.
Some of what you'll do:

• 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.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals with:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.

What we're looking for:

• 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.

Additional information

• 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.

About OHBH

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.

Interested?

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #08956.

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 (Nebotism) 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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