DSHS ESH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Full Job Description

Behavioral Health Specialist 3

The mission and vision of Eastern State Hospital (ESH) has at its core the support of sustainable recovery, independence and wellness in an atmosphere where people are healthy, safe and supported.

In this role the Behavioral Health Specialist 3 provides specialized and intensive emergency response mental health treatment.

The Emergency Response Specialist (ERS) position is in Medical Lake, WA at the Eastern State Hospital (ESH) Campus.

The ERS provides data collection and communication to treatment teams regarding inpatient care as part of an interdisciplinary team.

The ERS delivers patient care within the framework of the Recovery Model.

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.

Some of what you'll do

• Responds to emergent inpatient psychiatric situations using evidence-based therapeutic intervention techniques as part of the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT).
• Provides immediate response, direct intervention and inpatient stabilization during behavioral emergencies.
• Provides crisis management intervention directly to patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies or escalation toward psychiatric emergencies. Responds to behavioral emergencies to assist with milieu management.
• Position, transfer, and contain potentially assaultive or self harming patients.
• Proactively offers patients nursing or rehabilitative care under the direction of licensed clinical staff and keeps treatment teams and RNs informed of observations of specific patterns or general milieu concerns.
• As assigned, make rounds on patient care areas.
• Provide patient safety and comfort through attention to general health; assist patients in accomplishing daily hygiene issues (e.g., bathing, dressing, and washing clothing).
• Provides prescribed in-patient mental health treatment, data collection and treatment planning as part of an inter-disciplinary team.

Who should apply
Those with a bachelor’s degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science.

And

Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting.

AND

Certified Nursing Assistant or Registration as a Nursing Assistant. If the incumbent has a NAR, will obtain and maintain a NAC certification within 6 months of hire.

Qualifying education will substitute year for year for experience. Qualifying experience will substitute year for year for education.

Desired

• In-depth working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics.
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations.
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the principles of universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with management, peers, patients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Demonstrate proficient operation of the following equipment: Computer, copy machine, metal detector, vital signs tower, and patient lifting equipment.

If you have questions about the application process, email Peter Bonato, Recruiter, at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02598.

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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