DSHS CSTC Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Full Job Description

DSHS CSTC Behavioral Health Specialist 3-Activities Specialist

We’re looking for an Activities Specialist (Behavioral Health Specialist 3) to join our team.

You'll actively support the treatment team by implementing scheduled therapeutic activities designed to meet the developmental needs, interests, and abilities of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.

As an Activities Specialist, you will play a key role in providing supplemental therapeutic support to the Recreation Department, Clinical Services, and the cottage milieu.

Your primary responsibilities include planning, organizing, and facilitating structured activities both on- and off-cottage for patients residing at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC).

These activities are designed to promote engagement, skill-building, and overall well-being for the youth we serve.

This role works collaboratively with Recreational Therapists, Youth Counselors, and the broader treatment team to plan and coordinate therapeutic activities that address both individual and group needs.

The Activities Specialist utilizes evidence-based interventions—including structured groups and individualized activities, in alignment with state, federal, and organizational standards.

Some of what you'll do:

• Actively engages in direct care of patients by leading or co-leading activities as part of treatment both on cottage, off-cottage and in the community
• Instructs the patient in adapting to the recreational and community environment
• Maintains statistical information and documentation related to patient care
• Plans and Implements community integration and transition activities, while operating state motor vehicles
• Participates in campus wide trainings about evidence-based practices such as DBT, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Trauma informed care
• Confers with members of the treatment team, youth counselors and nursing for purposes of carrying treatment services as prescribed
• Assists Recreation Therapists and other assigned recreation staff with groups, and facilitation of programs
• Documents activities and patient behavior to inform the treatment team about concerns or progress
• Participates on focus groups and hospital-wide committee as assigned
• Plans and research treatment and or individual interventions based on patient need and assesses ability to meaningfully participate
• Discusses and informs members of the treatment team findings observations regarding treatment needs, behaviors, symptoms and risks
• Plans and facilitate special events for the respective cottages and hospital wide; which may include lifting, carrying heavy objects (food, beverages, snacks etc.)
• Shadows and mentors new staff as directed for purposes of learning procedure and operations
• Attends and completes scheduled and required trainings
• Escorts patients to and from groups and activities; both on and off campus
• Responds to patient emergencies as needed; use of verbal de-escalation and hands on techniques may be a part of the intervention utilized

Who should apply?

A Bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science

AND

Two years of professional counseling or casework experience

OR

One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2

OR

Equivalent education/relevant experience

What we're looking for:
Ability to:

• Safely physically intervene with patients exhibiting high-risk behaviors using approved techniques, maintaining optimal mental and physical health and dignity
• Obtain a Food Handler's permit within 14 days of employment. More information can be found here.
• Obtain/maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications
• Obtain/maintain a current Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Department of Health within 30 days of employment

Questions? Email the recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09225.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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