Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07750

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services

Summary

DSHS Steilacoom – Behavioral Health Specialist 3

We're hiring an On-Call Behavioral Health Specialist 3, formerly known as Institutional Counselor 3. In this role, you will work closely with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions with residents. The interventions implemented will be for residents with mental illnesses, and will primarily focus on competency restoration, illness management, recovery strategies, and life skill development.

The Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for identifying, implementing, and integrating evidence-based practices into current therapeutic programming. This individual must demonstrate a strong ability to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities, while applying recovery-oriented principles of mental illness treatment. Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Specialist 4, the specialist will document patient progress in accordance with applicable standards and Behavioral Health and Treatment Centers (BHTC) guidelines, maintaining accurate, timely, and person-centered records.

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. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Work Schedule: TBD

Location: Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood

Some of what you'll do:

• 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

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, colleagues, and treatment teams
• Ability to assess situations, think critically, and take appropriate, timely action
• Experience facilitating or participating in group processes and therapeutic activities
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effective de-escalation techniques, with an emphasis on least-restrictive interventions
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in a treatment setting
• Experience working in a psychiatric or behavioral health care environment
• Training or experience in non-violent crisis intervention and behavior management strategies

Who should apply?

We are looking for professionals who have:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science
• AND
• At least two years of professional counseling or casework experience
• OR
• One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years

Additional information:

• 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.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

About Behavioral Health Treatment Center - Steilacoom Unit

The Steilacoom Unit is a 30-bed Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood, providing court-ordered competency restoration services to individuals who are unable to participate in legal proceedings due to a mental health condition. The unit offers structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management to help residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, and strengthen communication skills. The treatment approach follows an evidence-based curriculum designed to support competency restoration. The program is recovery-focused and person-centered, involving residents in their treatment planning and supporting transitions back to the legal system or, when necessary, to longer-term psychiatric care.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07750.

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 (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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