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Posted: March 12, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS ESH Control Center Operator

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$3,840 - $5,137

per month

Type

Closes

March 20, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a control center operator at a psychiatric hospital, where you'll handle communications via phone and radio, monitor alarms and cameras, and respond quickly to emergencies like fires or medical issues to keep everyone safe.

It's ideal for someone with a background in security or law enforcement who stays calm under pressure, provides compassionate service, and can manage confidential information.

The role requires night shifts and on-call duties, offering extra pay for those schedules.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • One year of experience in security, corrections, law enforcement, or similar roles
  • Certificate from a basic law enforcement training program, police academy, or military training (alternative to experience)
  • Strong customer service and crisis response skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and show compassion
  • Valid driver's license (may be required)
  • Experience as a receptionist, switchboard operator, or radio communications operator (preferred)

Full Job Description

DSHS ESH Control Center Operator

DSHS' Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration are seeking a professional Control Center Operators also known as a Security Guard 1s to join their dedicated team at Eastern State Hospital (ESH) in Medical Lake, WA.

In this role, operates an electronic switchboard and is available to communicate at all times with security, safety, PERT and all other Eastern State Hospital staff via telephone and radio.

You'll monitor the fire panels, closed circuit cameras, emergency alarms, radio alarms, ward radio traffic, treatment team radio traffic, as well as providing emergency communication within the hospital and outside of the hospital during all emergencies.

Strong customer service skills and the ability to think and act quickly during times of crisis are imperative for success in this role. Confidentiality and compassion go hand in hand with this job.

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: 8:00pm-7:00am Friday- Monday

Off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

On-Call schedule will vary

Some of what you will do:

  • Operate an electronic switchboard for a psychiatric facility
  • Receive incoming calls and transfer to the appropriate parties
  • Operate Turbo Vui digital radio interface
  • Place collect, credit card and long-distance calls for staff/patients
  • Operate the paging system to notify staff of outside calls, alarms/visitors
  • Must be cognizant of staff and patient movement to be able to locate them efficiently
  • Notify key personnel of patient elopement and emergency situations including but not limited to fire, disaster, and major equipment
  • Call for air ambulance/ambulance when medical emergencies arise
  • Responsible for monitoring fire and staff emergency alarms as well as all hospital digital radio channels
  • Serve as information source for visitors and all incoming callers (within the hospital and outside of hospital) and arrange security or staff escort as needed

Who should apply?

High school graduation or GED and one year of experience in areas of work such as: security guard, correctional officer or store investigations, or, police officer, police reserve officer, military police, or other law enforcement work.

OR

A certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission; or, a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program.

A valid driver's license may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a receptionist, switchboard operator, PBX operator, radio communications operator, or experience performing clerical office work which required direct contact with the public

Interested? Apply today! Just submit your application.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.



Questions? Email the recruiter at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01840.


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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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/13/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5260384