Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08424

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Mental Health, Social Services, Allied Health

Summary

DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Join our team at Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health!

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

OR

• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2

OR

• 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.

When applying, please attach the following to your online application:

• A letter of interest.
• Three professional references with current contact information, which may be included within the online application. One reference must be your current supervisor.

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 (360) 725-5810. 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 (Nepotism) 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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