Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07000

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Social Services, Counseling, Community and Social Services

Join the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate. At Western State Hospital (WSH) Civil Center of Excellence, we know our clients can become stronger and more independent with the help of our skilled staff. We rely on, and trust our dedicated nurses and appreciate their ability and compassion in accomplishing our mission of helping people shape their lives!

Reporting to the Therapies Supervisor of the Active Treatment Services department, as the Behavioral Health Specialist, you will develop, implement, and document individualized active treatment programming throughout the Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Centers at the Civil Center of Excellence at Western State Hospital. Additionally, you will assist and counsel mental health clients.

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

Some of what you'll do

• Implements the hospital Recovery Model and facilitate individual and group curriculum based on active treatment goals and objectives.
• Develops rehabilitation therapy activities to meet needs, interests and abilities of individual clients or groups.
• Interviews patients, to secure and compile personal data and social history.
• Prepares progress reports; maintains charting and weekly group lesson plans/calendars.
• Compiles and prepares reports on individual’s progress, reactions, and overall adjustment; makes or assists in making recommendations on treatment training and release of individual.
• Confers with clinical or other staff members to determine programs for individual clients or groups; participates in meetings and conferences with institutional personnel.
• Independently plan, schedule, organize, and coordinate activities both on and off the Recovery Center.

What we're looking for

• Ability to interview effectively, evaluate persons or situations and adopt a proper course of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful personal relationships with others.
• Prefer major study in Psychology or Rehabilitation and experience with group processes.
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and de-escalation skills emphasizing less restrictive interventions.
• Competency in basic computer skills and associated software such as word, outlook, and navigating a web browser.

Who should apply?

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably involving major study in sociology or other social science, and two years of professional counseling or casework experience.

or,

• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2.

or,

• Equivalent education/relevant experience.

This position requires certification as Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (RAAC) from the Washington State Department of Health.

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.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email the recruiter, Chris at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07000 in the subject line.

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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