DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 4

Full Job Description

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist 4 to join the leadership team at Maple Lane, a residential treatment facility located near Centralia, in Grand Mound, Washington.

This program provides behavioral health care to up to 30 civil or forensic residents in a structured, supportive and secure setting.

In this role, you will help maintain a safe, calm and respectful environment where residents can build skills, stabilize and work toward recovery.

You will lead by example on the unit, guide staff through daily operations and step in during complex or high-stress situations. Your presence helps staff feel supported and residents feel respected.

This position has a strong leadership focus. You will supervise Behavioral Health Specialist staff, help train and coach them, and make sure work is done safely, fairly and in line with policy.

You will also work closely with clinical staff and program leadership to support treatment goals and improve how services are delivered.Please note: This announcement is for the Swing Shift in Cascade: Tuesday - Saturday 2:00 p.m.

- 10:30 p.m.

(Sunday/Monday off).Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.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:

• Lead daily unit operations and help maintain a safe, structured and therapeutic environment.
• Supervise Behavioral Health Specialist staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance and providing coaching.
• Schedule staff, approve timecards and ensure adequate coverage on your shift.
• Observe resident behavior and guide staff in using trauma-informed and evidence-based responses.
• Respond to crises, lead de-escalation efforts and model appropriate interventions.
• Ensure staff follow laws, rules and agency policies related to residential treatment.
• Review staff documentation for accuracy, quality and timeliness.
• Participate in hiring, training and onboarding new staff.
• Conduct or assist with staff investigations and help resolve workplace or resident conflicts.
• Communicate with clinical staff and contribute to treatment planning discussions.
• Maintain required certifications and support ongoing staff training.
• Complete reports and documentation related to resident care, staffing and operations.

Who should apply: Professionals with either;
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3
OR
A bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science AND three years of professional counseling or casework experience to include supervisory and/or leadership experience.

One year of graduate training in behavioral social sciences may be substituted for equivalent education/relevant experience.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Lead others with confidence and care: Guide staff, set clear expectations and support growth through coaching, feedback and accountability.
• Policy knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws, rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Communicate clearly: Share information in writing and in conversation with staff, leadership, residents and partners in a respectful and direct way.
• Emotional intelligence: Stay calm, fair and steady when responding to emergencies, safety concerns or complex situations.
• Apply behavioral health knowledge: Recognize psychiatric symptoms and understand how they can affect behavior in a residential setting.
• Promote equity and inclusion: Treat all residents and staff with dignity, respect and consistency in daily interactions and decision-making.
• Work collaboratively: Partner with clinical staff, leadership and peers to support shared goals and consistent care.

Why Join Us?
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:


Questions? Email the DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00776.

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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