DSHS Steilacoom Behavioral Health Specialist 3

About the role

As a temporary Behavioral Health Specialist 3 (formerly Institutional Counselor 3) at the DSHS Steilacoom Behavioral Health and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA, you will work closely with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions for residents with mental illnesses. The focus is on competency restoration, illness management, recovery strategies, and life‑skill development. You will identify, implement, and integrate evidence‑based practices into current therapeutic programming, build meaningful therapeutic relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities while applying recovery‑oriented principles, and, under the supervision of a Behavioral Health Specialist 4, document patient progress according to applicable standards and BHTC guidelines, maintaining accurate, timely, and person‑centered records. The Steilacoom Unit is a 30‑bed residential treatment facility on the campus of Western State Hospital, providing court‑ordered competency restoration services, structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management to help residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, and strengthen communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

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.

Skills

• 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

Benefits

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

Pay

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.

Schedule

On‑site work of at least three days per week is required to qualify for the 5% premium pay.