DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Western State Hospital provides psychiatric care to individuals across Washington. Our staff are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect while supporting recovery in safe, therapeutic settings.

About the role

As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you will work closely with treatment units caring for patients with high acuity and challenging behaviors. You will provide consultation, develop strategies to reduce aggression, and deliver direct support to both patients and staff. This work includes modeling interventions, guiding de-escalation practices, and offering therapeutic activities that help patients build coping strategies and daily living skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Behavior Management Team to develop plans that reduce patient stress, aggression, and other challenging behaviors.
• Meet with patients and treatment teams to identify what contributes to these behaviors and design strategies that improve safety and care.
• Provide individual and group therapy, as well as activities that build skills in daily living, coping, and managing frustration or boredom.
• Rotate between patients referred for services, document interactions, and share information following internal policies.
• Model interventions for ward staff and provide coaching, training, and feedback to strengthen their skills and confidence.
• Maintain consistent communication within the Behavior Management Team and with ward staff, following structured response plans.
• Respond to Code Gray calls when present on the ward, assist as directed, and give input on strategies to reduce future incidents.
• Lead short trainings for staff on topics such as ward dynamics, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques (Crisis Prevention Institute, CPI, and Advanced Crisis Intervention Training, ACIT).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology, or other social science.
• Two years of professional counseling or casework experience.
• OR one year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2.
• OR equivalent education/relevant experience.
• A current Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) is required and must be obtained before employment.
• An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will need to be obtained within 30 days of employment.

Skills

• Communication skills – Express ideas clearly with patients, staff, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Therapeutic skills – Apply behavioral support models, de-escalation, and recovery principles in daily practice.
• Collaboration – Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting treatment plans and goals.
• Problem-solving – Remain calm and think critically in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Adaptability – Adjust to changing patient needs, treatment settings, and team priorities.
• Instructional skills – Coach and train staff by modeling interventions and offering constructive feedback.
• Technical skills – Use Microsoft Office and electronic systems to track, document, and share patient information.

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

Schedule

Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Day Shift).

Benefits

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