DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium pay

Shift differential

Orca card

Job summary

The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join Western State Hospital's Behavior Management Team. You will collaborate with treatment units to reduce aggression, provide direct support to patients and staff, and lead trainings on de-escalation techniques.

This role emphasizes safety, compassion, and recovery in a high-acuity environment. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology or a related field, plus two years of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology or related social science field.
• Two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) is required prior to employment and must be current.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor registration must be obtained within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans to reduce patient stress, aggression, and other challenging behaviors.
• Meet with patients and treatment teams to identify contributors to behaviors and design safety and care improvements.
• Provide individual and group therapy and activities to build coping and daily living skills.
• Rotate between patients, document interactions, and share information per internal policies.
• Model interventions for ward staff and provide coaching, training, and feedback.

Skills

Counseling in groups

Behavioral dynamics

Regulatory knowledge

De-escalation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology or related field

Job description

DSHS BHHA Behavioral Health Specialist 3 - Behavior Management Specialist

The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join Western State Hospital's Behavior Management Team.

Western State Hospital provides psychiatric care to individuals across Washington. Our staff are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect while supporting recovery in safe, therapeutic settings.

As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you will work closely with treatment units caring for patients with high acuity and challenging behaviors. You will provide consultation, develop strategies to reduce aggression, and deliver direct support to both patients and staff. This work includes modeling interventions, guiding de-escalation practices, and offering therapeutic activities that help patients build coping strategies and daily living skills.

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. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Collaborate with the Behavior Management Team to develop plans that reduce patient stress, aggression, and other challenging behaviors
• Meet with patients and treatment teams to identify what contributes to these behaviors and design strategies that improve safety and care
• Provide individual and group therapy, as well as activities that build skills in daily living, coping, and managing frustration or boredom
• Rotate between patients referred for services, document interactions, and share information following internal policies
• Model interventions for ward staff and provide coaching, training, and feedback to strengthen their skills and confidence
• Maintain consistent communication within the Behavior Management Team and with ward staff, following structured response plans
• Respond to Code Gray calls when present on the ward, assist as directed, and give input on strategies to reduce future incidents
• Lead short trainings for staff on topics such as ward dynamics, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques - Crisis Prevention Institute, CPI, and Advanced Crisis Intervention Training, ACIT

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
• OR
• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
• OR
• Equivalent education/relevant experience

A current Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) is required, and must be obtained before employment. Information regarding the Nursing Assistant registration (NAR) with the State of Washington can be found here .

An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will also need to be obtained within 30 days of employment. More information can be found here .

Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities We Are Looking For

• Experience with Counseling/Teaching in a group setting
• In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics
• Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures
• Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner
• Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision
• Proficient in oral, written, and electronic communication skills

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 04790

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 (Necotim?) 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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