DSHS Steilacoom Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Full Job Description

DSHS Steilacoom – Behavioral Health Specialist 3
We’re hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join our Steilacoom Unit located at Western State Hospital’s campus in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you’ll work closely with forensic treatment teams to create and deliver hands-on treatment strategies that support residents with behavioral health needs. Your work will focus on competency restoration, illness management, recovery support, and building everyday life skills.

As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you’ll bring evidence-based practices into real-world treatment programming while building strong, meaningful relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities. You’ll take a recovery-oriented approach in your work and help track progress through clear, timely, and person-centered documentation. With support from a Behavioral Health Specialist 4, you’ll play an important role in helping residents move forward in their treatment and recovery.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide daily guidance to residents on facility policies, procedures, and expectations
  
• Encourage and support resident participation in treatment, recreation, and skill-building activities
  
• Transport and accompany residents to appointments, ensuring safety and appropriate supervision
  
• Assist with problem-solving and provide informal counseling in individual and small group settings
  
• Facilitate or support group sessions and contribute to discussions on treatment progress
  
• Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation and intervention techniques
  
• Monitor resident activity, follow security procedures, and help maintain a safe and structured environment
  
  

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, colleagues, and treatment teams
  
• Ability to assess situations, think critically, and take appropriate, timely action
  
• Experience facilitating or participating in group processes and therapeutic activities
  
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effective de-escalation techniques, with an emphasis on least-restrictive interventions
  
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in a treatment setting
  
• Experience working in a psychiatric or behavioral health care environment
  
• Training or experience in non-violent crisis intervention and behavior management strategies
  
  

Who should apply?
We are looking for professionals who have:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science
  AND
  
• At least two years of professional counseling or casework experience
  OR
  
• One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
  OR
  
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years
  
  

Additional information:

• 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.
  
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
  

About Behavioral Health Treatment Center - Steilacoom Unit
The Steilacoom Unit is a 30-bed Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood, providing court-ordered competency restoration services to individuals who are unable to participate in legal proceedings due to a mental health condition. The unit offers structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management to help residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, and strengthen communication skills. The treatment approach follows an evidence-based curriculum designed to support competency restoration. The program is recovery-focused and person-centered, involving residents in their treatment planning and supporting transitions back to the legal system or, when necessary, to longer-term psychiatric care.



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 #02472.


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.

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