Forensic Behavioral Health Specialist - On-Call

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orca Card

5% premium pay on-site

Job summary

State of Washington’s DSHS Steilacoom unit seeks an On-Call Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to support forensic treatment teams at the Lakewood Residential Treatment Facility. You’ll contribute to competency restoration, illness management, and life skills development, documenting progress under supervision, and applying recovery-oriented care.

Eligible candidates have a bachelor’s in social science and 2+ years of counseling or equivalent experience, with strong de-escalation and crisis

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science
• At least two years of professional counseling or casework experience OR one year as Behavioral Health Specialist 2 OR six+ years equivalent experience
• Ability to work with residents with mental illness and apply recovery-oriented practices

Responsibilities

• Provide daily guidance to residents on facility policies, procedures, and expectations
• Encourage and support resident participation in treatment, recreation, and skill-building activities
• Transport and accompany residents to appointments, ensuring safety and appropriate supervision
• Assist with problem-solving and provide informal counseling in individual and small group settings
• Facilitate or support group sessions and contribute to discussions on treatment progress
• Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation and intervention techniques
• Monitor resident activity, follow security procedures, and help maintain a safe and structured environment

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Critical thinking

Group facilitation

De-escalation techniques

Trauma-informed care

Psychiatric/Behavioral health

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor's degree in social science

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

State of Washington’s DSHS Steilacoom unit seeks an On-Call Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to support forensic treatment teams at the Lakewood Residential Treatment Facility. You’ll contribute to competency restoration, illness management, and life skills development, documenting progress under supervision, and applying recovery-oriented care.

Eligible candidates have a bachelor’s in social science and 2+ years of counseling or equivalent experience, with strong de-escalation and crisis