DSHS SCC Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3

Full Job Description

DSHS SCC – Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3 (Milieu Specialist)
The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is hiring a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3 – Milieu Specialist to join the Special Commitment Center (SCC) on McNeil Island in the scenic Puget Sound.

In this role, you will serve as a Milieu Specialist under the supervision of a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 4, primarily supporting the Pierce County Secure Community Transition Facility (PC-SCTF) High Acuity Program. You will work with residents who have complex needs, including serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, cognitive disorders, and/or significant medical conditions that may impact their ability to engage in Sex Offender Treatment. Your work is essential in fostering a structured, therapeutic environment that supports stability, skill-building, and progress toward treatment goals for individuals with high-acuity needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Participate as a member of the Treatment Team to stay informed on resident treatment plans, progress, and approaches within the milieu
  
• Facilitate skills groups and engage with residents by modeling and reinforcing prosocial behaviors
  
• Conduct regular check-ins with assigned residents and share observations to support skill development, coping strategies, and overall well-being
  
• Encourage participation in programming using a strengths-based, solution-focused, and trauma-informed approach
  
• Oversee activities and complete timely, accurate documentation, including reports and progress notes
  
• Collaborate with team members to address resident concerns and problem-solve effectively
  
• Support resident movement between program areas, including housing assignments, and maintain accurate unit materials
  
• Provide continuity of care through engagement in community-based settings, including LRA placements and supervised outings, while maintaining a structured, habilitative environment
  
  

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Ability to effectively respond to and manage aggressive behavior using appropriate verbal de-escalation techniques
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working within an interdisciplinary team
  
• Demonstrated patience, resilience, and optimism in supporting long-term resident progress and rehabilitation
  
• Clear and effective verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations
  
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate, detailed, and timely documentation
  
• Knowledge of CPR and first aid at the first responder level, or ability to obtain certification
  
  

Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals with one of the following qualifications:

• Two years of experience providing direct care in a residential or in-patient behavioral health setting
  OR
  
• One year of experience as a supervisor or lead worker, plus one year of experience providing direct care in a residential or in-patient behavioral health setting
  OR
  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
  
  

Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday through Wednesday
  
• 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
  
  

About the SCC and SCTF
The Special Commitment Center (SCC) and Secure Community Transition Facility (SCTF), located on McNeil Island, provide treatment and transition services for individuals civilly committed as sexually violent predators following their prison sentences. Together, these programs support a continuum of care, from secure, structured treatment at SCC to supervised community reintegration through SCTF.

Both facilities are grounded in the dual priorities of public safety and resident rehabilitation. SCC offers a secure environment focused on treatment and risk reduction, while SCTF provides step-down services, including transition planning, life skills development, and individualized case management to support successful reintegration as directed by the court. Staff across both settings work collaboratively with legal, correctional, and behavioral health partners to support resident progress while upholding court requirements and community safety.



Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #02845.


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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