DSHS WSH Mental Health Technician 3

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH – Mental Health Technician 3 (Transportation Coordinator)
Join our team at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Washington, as a Mental Health Technician 3 (Transportation Coordinator) and play a vital role in supporting patient transitions from hospital care to the community. In this role, you will coordinate and provide transportation for patients to pre placement visits, discharge settings, and essential appointments such as the Department of Licensing and Social Security, helping remove barriers to successful discharge. Working closely with the Civil Social Work team, you will also provide therapeutic support, coaching, and engagement before, during, and after community outings and transitions, promoting patient safety, stability, and recovery at a critical stage in their treatment journey.

Some of what you'll do:

• Schedule and coordinate patient transportation in collaboration with Civil Social Workers and community partners.
  
• Escort and transport patients for pre-placement visits, discharge and community transitions, and interfacility transfers, including in state and out of state travel with possible overnight stays.
  
• Escort and transport patients to off campus appointments related to discharge planning, including visits to the Department of Licensing, Social Security offices, and other required destinations.
  
• Coordinate with the treatment team prior to off-grounds activities and provide therapeutic support and interventions during transports, reporting observations and patient responses upon return.
  
• Document all transports and patient interactions in progress notes, with attention to treatment goals, discharge criteria, patient presentation, interventions provided, and outcomes.
  
• Assist with discharge planning logistics, including assembling pre-placement packets and helping arrange alternative transportation such as bus, train, or air travel when needed.
  
• Maintain safety during transports by utilizing de-escalation techniques, therapeutic interventions, and established policies when responding to high risk behaviors or unexpected situations.
  
• Participate in staff meetings, discharge meetings, case consultations, and other assigned duties as needed.
  
  

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, patients, and members of the public.
  
• Skill in working therapeutically with individuals who have cognitive and psychiatric disabilities, using a respectful and recovery-oriented approach.
  
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to manage conflict calmly and constructively.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining patient rights, dignity, and independence in all interactions.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport, establish trust, and support positive engagement.
  
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, recovery principles, and trauma informed practices.
  
• Lived experience with mental illness or recovery is valued and welcomed.
  
  

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

• A high school diploma or GED
  

AND

• Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting
  
  

Additional information:

• Work schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
  
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
• 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 Western State Hospital
Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.



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 #00701.


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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