Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07376

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services, Human Services, Counseling

Summary

DSHS WSH – Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery? Western State Hospital (WSH), one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 (formerly Institution Counselor 2) to join our dedicated team in Lakewood, WA.

This role is essential to our mission of providing compassionate, recovery-focused care to individuals living with serious mental illness. As a Behavioral Health Specialist 2, you will lead and co-lead therapeutic group activities, deliver counseling rooted in recovery principles, and help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive treatment environment. You'll also work collaboratively with families and community partners to support ongoing recovery goals. If you're committed to making a meaningful impact in a dynamic hospital setting, we encourage you to join us at WSH and be part of the healing process.

About Western State Hospital

Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital provides inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Some of what you'll do:

• Lead or co-lead therapeutic group activities and provide counseling grounded in recovery principles for individuals with mental illness.
• Promote recovery-oriented care in all patient interactions and collaborate with families and community agencies to support ongoing treatment goals.
• Complete clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, attendance records, and input for treatment conferences.
• Assist with nursing care, health, and hygiene tasks in alignment with hospital and ward policies.
• Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies, using de-escalation techniques and, when necessary, safe physical interventions under nursing guidance.
• Escort or transport individuals and support their participation in daily routines, recreational activities, and therapeutic programs.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment by fostering safety, building relationships, and contributing to hospital committees, training, or special assignments.

What we're looking for:

• Understanding of group dynamics and therapeutic group processes.
• Familiarity with psychiatric symptoms and recovery-oriented care principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with patients and staff.
• Ability to assess situations and determine appropriate, compassionate interventions.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques, individual and group behavior, and related social factors.
• Capacity to build respectful, therapeutic relationships; individuals with lived experience or in recovery are encouraged to apply.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences or two year’s experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.
• Or
• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1.
• Or
• An equivalent combination of education/experience.

Note:

• Graduate training in behavioral social science may be substituted for experience.
• This position requires possession of a current Washington State Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license or be listed on the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) registry.
• It is required to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of hire.

Additional information:

• Work Schedule: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• 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.

Interested?

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume.
• Three professional references with contact information.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07376.

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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