Recently Reactivated

Posted: January 13, 2026 (1 day ago)

Reactivated: January 14, 2026

This job reappeared after being removed. Worth checking if still available.

DSHS SCC Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Reactivated

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,653 - $6,259

per month

Closes

January 16, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team of staff at a secure residential facility on McNeil Island, helping to manage and support adult residents with behavioral and mental health challenges through daily interactions, de-escalation, and encouraging participation in treatment activities.

The role requires handling high-stress situations, such as dealing with aggressive or at-risk individuals, and assisting with reports and unit operations during evening shifts.

It's a good fit for someone with strong communication skills, experience in crisis intervention, and the ability to work independently in a demanding environment.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to respond to and cope with aggressive behavior using effective verbal de-escalation tactics
  • Strong verbal communication skills for daily interactions and interventions with residents
  • Strong writing skills for preparing reports like Behavior Management Reports, Incident Reports, and Observation Reports
  • Valid driver's license for operating state vehicles
  • Willingness to work mandatory overtime and fill in for unit staff as needed
  • Ability to work alone while monitoring residents or stationed on living units
  • Flexibility to work in different units or areas beyond the primary assignment

Full Job Description

DSHS SCC Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3

Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3 (RRC 3) at the Special Commitment Center (SCC) that located on McNeil Island in the beautiful Puget Sound.

This RRC 3 lead will be assigned to Cedar Unit, in PA1 but may be assigned to other units within the SCC as needed and directed.

You may be required to lead staff in working with disorderly and psychotic, aging adult residents who may require intense 1:1 care/observation, supervision and involvement by staff, may pose an imminent threat to self or others, may be at imminent risk of harm from others and may present serious risk for attempted escape or may seek opportunities to sabotage and damage property.

The schedule for this position will be: Sunday - Thursday 2:00PM - 10:00PM with Fridays and Saturdays OFF.

Some of what you'll do:

  • Assist staff with residents regarding policies, procedures, protocols and living unit and SCC rules
  • Assist staff in encouraging residents to participate in approved extra-curricular activities
  • Assist staff with the unit operations and day to day interaction with residents
  • Assist, as directed with, Behavior Management Reports, Incident Reports, Witness statements, Observation Reports etc. regarding individual residents’ non-compliance with SCC policies, living unit rules and inappropriate or unsafe behaviors
  • Assist staff with problem solving residents concerns and questions
  • Assist staff in encouraging residents in working toward treatment – “Current Conditions” and residential goals
  • Assist in providing clear verbal direction and interventions with residents on a daily basis and a “lead” in first respondent situations
  • Other duties as assigned

What we are looking for:

  • Ability to respond appropriately and cope with aggressive behavior using appropriate and effective verbal de-escalation tactics
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle
  • Will be required to work mandatory overtime
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Required to work alone while stationed on a living unit or while monitoring resident activities
  • Required to work in areas or units other than the location of principle assignment
  • Required to fill in as unit staff as well and provide breaks as they arise
  • Strong writing skills

Additional Information:

  • SCC employees also receive an additional $10 per day premium pay in addition to advertised salary and a free ORCA card for transportation use
  • Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs
  • Ferry transportation is provided to McNeil Island employees
  • 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

Who should apply?

Professionals with a High School diploma or GED

AND

Three years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates in a residential, in-patient, and/or correctional mental health setting

OR

One year of experience as a supervisor/lead worker and two years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates in a residential, in-patient, and/or correctional mental health setting.

*This position requires obtaining the Affiliated Counselor Credential within six months of hire.

Questions? Please contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.govOR call (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 08637.

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 & 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: 1/13/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/17/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5168680