Description
DSHS BHHA WSH
- Behavioral Health Specialist 3 (Behavior Management Specialist) The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join Western State Hospital's Behavior Management Team.
Western State Hospital provides psychiatric care to individuals across Washington. Our staff are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect while supporting recovery in safe, therapeutic settings. As a Behavior Management Specialist, you will work closely with treatment units caring for patients with high acuity and challenging behaviors. You will provide consultation, develop strategies to reduce aggression, and deliver direct support to both patients and staff. This work includes modeling interventions, guiding de-escalation practices, and offering therapeutic activities that help patients build coping strategies and daily living skills. Some of what you'll do: Collaborate with the Behavior Management Team to develop plans that reduce patient stress, aggression, and other challenging behaviors. Meet with patients and treatment teams to identify what contributes to these behaviors and design strategies that improve safety and care. Provide individual and group therapy, as well as activities that build skills in daily living, coping, and managing frustration or boredom. Rotate between patients referred for services, document interactions, and share information following internal policies. Model interventions for ward staff and provide coaching, training, and feedback to strengthen their skills and confidence. Maintain consistent communication within the Behavior Management Team and with ward staff, following structured response plans. Respond to Code Gray calls when present on the ward, assist as directed, and give input on strategies to reduce future incidents. Lead short trainings for staff on topics such as ward dynamics, situational awareness, and de-escalation techniques
- Crisis Prevention Institute, CPI, and Advanced Crisis Intervention Training, ACIT. Knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for: Communication skills
- Express ideas clearly with patients, staff, and interdisciplinary team members. Therapeutic skills
- Apply behavioral support models, de-escalation, and recovery principles in daily practice. Collaboration
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting treatment plans and goals. Problem-solving
- Remain calm and think critically in high-pressure or emergency situations. Adaptability
- Adjust to changing patient needs, treatment settings, and team priorities. Instructional skills
- Coach and train staff by modeling interventions and offering constructive feedback. Technical skills
- Use Microsoft Office and electronic systems to track, document, and share patient information.
Who should apply? Those with a bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science. AND Two years of professional counseling or casework experience. OR One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2. OR Equivalent education/relevant experience. Additional information A current Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) is required, and must be obtained before employment. Information regarding the Nursing Assistant registration (NAR) with the State of Washington can be found here. An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will also need to be obtained within 30 days of employment. More information can be found here. 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. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Interested? 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 #02969. 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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. Supplemental 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
