DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

About the role

Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH), operated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is a 72‑bed state‑operated psychiatric facility providing evidence‑based treatment to civilly committed patients experiencing significant psychiatric disabilities. The team works together to support stabilization, recovery, and successful transition back to the community. As a Behavioral Health Specialist 3, you will help patients navigate discharge barriers, legal needs, and the services and supports needed for successful community transition. 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 role offers valuable experience in behavioral health while developing skills in patient engagement, care coordination, discharge planning, and collaboration with community partners, and provides exposure to the field of social work and the role of social workers in behavioral health treatment and discharge planning.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
• OR equivalent education/relevant experience

Requirements

• Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential within 60 days of hire and maintain the credential as required.
• Successfully complete OHBH screening requirements.
• Successfully complete required DSHS, BHHA, OHBH, and other applicable trainings.
• Meet applicable employee health requirements.
• Successfully pass the DSHS criminal background check required for the position.
• Be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in both speech and 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.

Benefits

• Eligible to receive a free ORCA card.
• Professional growth: gain experience in behavioral health, de‑escalation, care coordination, discharge processes, court systems, community resources, and patient services.
• Make an impact: support patients on their recovery journey and contribute to successful transitions back into the community.

Pay

King County employees receive a 5% premium in addition to the advertised salary.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.