DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 4

About the role

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring a full-time Behavioral Health Specialist 4 (BHS4) to lead the Behavioral Health and Treatment Centers at Maple Lane Campus – Columbia Unit. This residential treatment facility provides behavioral health care for up to 32 civil or forensic residents in a structured, supportive, and secure setting.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the scheduled occurrence of structured groups and recreational activities.
• Assign BHS staff to facilitate groups or assist with facilitation of groups.
• Oversee resident incentive store to include tracking of points.
• Supervise implementation of behavior management procedures in the milieu when a resident is violent, suicidal, or otherwise dysregulated.
• Supervise and monitor BHS3s carrying out their job duties.
• Provide workload coverage for other BHS4 and BHS3 vacancies and leave.
• Monitor and track resident participation or other treatment related activities/goals.
• Ensure the BHS team is up to date on all mandatory trainings, refresher trainings, monthly training, other designated or required trainings and certifications.
• Conduct an individual supervisory meeting with each direct report at least once per month.
• Conduct investigations of facility staff and provide detailed reports including recommendations for corrective action to leadership.
• Create facility information packets for stakeholders.
• Proactively promote equity, diversity, access and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3;
• A bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science AND three years of professional counseling or casework experience to include supervisory and/or leadership experience;
• One year of graduate training in behavioral social sciences may be substituted for equivalent education/relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Lead others with confidence and care: Guide staff, set clear expectations and support growth through coaching, feedback and accountability.
• Policies knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws, rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Communicate clearly: Share information in writing and in conversation with staff, leadership, residents and partners in a respectful and direct way.
• Emotional intelligence: Stay calm, fair and steady when responding to emergencies, safety concerns or complex situations.
• Apply behavioral health knowledge: Recognize psychiatric symptoms and understand how they can affect behavior in a residential setting.
• Promote equity and inclusion: Treat all residents and staff with dignity, respect and consistency in daily interactions and decision-making.
• Work collaboratively: Partner with clinical staff, leadership and peers to support shared goals and consistent care.

Skills

• Lead others with confidence and care: Guide staff, set clear expectations and support growth through coaching, feedback and accountability.
• Policies knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws, rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Communicate clearly: Share information in writing and in conversation with staff, leadership, residents and partners in a respectful and direct way.
• Emotional intelligence: Stay calm, fair and steady when responding to emergencies, safety concerns or complex situations.
• Apply behavioral health knowledge: Recognize psychiatric symptoms and understand how they can affect behavior in a residential setting.
• Promote equity and inclusion: Treat all residents and staff with dignity, respect and consistency in daily interactions and decision-making.
• Work collaboratively: Partner with clinical staff, leadership and peers to support shared goals and consistent care.

Benefits

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. 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.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

This position offers Day shift; 6:00AM - 2:30PM with Friday and Saturday OFF.

Questions?

Please contact Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05513.