DSHS WSH Substance Use Disorder Program Specialist 3

About the role

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking multiple Program Specialist 3's (PS3) to join their team. This is a shared position across the Centers of Civil and Forensic Excellence at Western State Hospital, working with patients who are committed under RCWs 10.77 and 71.05. They serve as ancillary, supportive treatment staff to a multidisciplinary team when patient matters of emotional, psychological, and/or physical concern arise because the patient’s substance use, or substance use history.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes evidence-based interventions (i.e., individual and or groups) that are consistent with state law and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) to assist in the treatment and promotion of wellness and recovery toward the patients’ treatment goal(s)
• Conducts substance use disorder assessments—both diagnostic and treatment-focused—to clarify potential diagnoses and determine the appropriate level of services needed upon discharge, utilizing evidence-based methods
• Provides outpatient treatment during hospitalization and assists with community placement as needed
• Works with Behavioral Health Organizations to facilitate access to appropriate substance use disorder services
• Collaborates and consults with treatment teams to develop outpatient treatment plans tailored to the patient’s specific substance-related needs
• Supports patients in mitigating or alleviating relapse risk during hospitalization and upon reintegration into the community

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree AND two years of experience including planning, policy analysis, and coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government
• Professional-level experience may be substituted for education on an equal basis
• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDP-T)

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Ability to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor License
• Versatility in verbal and written communication
• Ensuring and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
• Computer expertise
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in the content of work produced
• Ability to work independently, multitask and prioritize workload
• Evaluation and comparison of written data and observations; speaking and writing effectively