State of Washington
DSHS ESH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
DSHS ESH Behavioral Health Specialist 3 – Rehabilitation Department
Are you passionate about helping individuals on their journey to recovery? DSHS’s Eastern State Hospital has an opening for a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join the Rehabilitation Department. The mission and vision of Eastern State Hospital is to provide specialized and intensive mental health treatment. In this role, you will work closely with patients and the dedicated treatment team to ensure that every individual has access to therapeutic programs designed for rehabilitation and long‑term wellness.
Who should apply?
A bachelor's degree preferably in sociology, social sciences, or a related field.
OR two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
OR an equivalent combination of experience and/or college level education.
What You’ll Do
Facilitate 10 hours per week of coping skills and psychoeducational programming to support patient rehabilitation.
Track and assess patient progress in treatment programs, entering data into the electronic system to monitor therapeutic effectiveness.
Work directly with the Treatment Team to design and adjust patient rehabilitation schedules that align with recovery goals.
Conduct patient meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of assigned therapeutic interventions.
Collaborate with group leaders to ensure accurate program goals and treatment methods are reflected in patient plans.
Participate in rehabilitation improvement plans, attend departmental meetings, and stay current with training requirements.
Ensure compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards.
Support crisis intervention and de‑escalation efforts when necessary to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
What We Are Looking For
Expertise in group behavior and dynamics – Facilitate therapeutic group sessions, ensuring patients engage in structured recovery activities that support emotional and behavioral stability.
Knowledge of mental health recovery principles – Implement evidence‑based interventions, guiding patients through coping strategies and treatment programs to promote long‑term rehabilitation.
Communication skills – Engage with patients, colleagues, and external partners to ensure transparency, alignment, and successful execution of treatment programs. Employ therapeutic communication techniques to foster trust, reduce agitation, and support recovery processes.
Implement infection control and safety protocols – Follow hospital and regulatory guidelines to reduce health risks and maintain a secure psychiatric care environment.
De‑escalate crisis situations effectively – Respond to behavioral escalations with professional intervention techniques, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams – Work alongside psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals to develop and refine individualized treatment plans that align with patient recovery goals.
How To Apply Please attach a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to this application.
Questions? Email the recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09224.
Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, 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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, staff training, and other compensation benefits. Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. Details of benefits, including premium rates and enrollment procedures, are available on the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
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.
Updated 07-21-2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you passionate about helping individuals on their journey to recovery? DSHS’s Eastern State Hospital has an opening for a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join the Rehabilitation Department. The mission and vision of Eastern State Hospital is to provide specialized and intensive mental health treatment. In this role, you will work closely with patients and the dedicated treatment team to ensure that every individual has access to therapeutic programs designed for rehabilitation and long‑term wellness.
Who should apply?
A bachelor's degree preferably in sociology, social sciences, or a related field.
OR two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
OR an equivalent combination of experience and/or college level education.
What You’ll Do
Facilitate 10 hours per week of coping skills and psychoeducational programming to support patient rehabilitation.
Track and assess patient progress in treatment programs, entering data into the electronic system to monitor therapeutic effectiveness.
Work directly with the Treatment Team to design and adjust patient rehabilitation schedules that align with recovery goals.
Conduct patient meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of assigned therapeutic interventions.
Collaborate with group leaders to ensure accurate program goals and treatment methods are reflected in patient plans.
Participate in rehabilitation improvement plans, attend departmental meetings, and stay current with training requirements.
Ensure compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards.
Support crisis intervention and de‑escalation efforts when necessary to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
What We Are Looking For
Expertise in group behavior and dynamics – Facilitate therapeutic group sessions, ensuring patients engage in structured recovery activities that support emotional and behavioral stability.
Knowledge of mental health recovery principles – Implement evidence‑based interventions, guiding patients through coping strategies and treatment programs to promote long‑term rehabilitation.
Communication skills – Engage with patients, colleagues, and external partners to ensure transparency, alignment, and successful execution of treatment programs. Employ therapeutic communication techniques to foster trust, reduce agitation, and support recovery processes.
Implement infection control and safety protocols – Follow hospital and regulatory guidelines to reduce health risks and maintain a secure psychiatric care environment.
De‑escalate crisis situations effectively – Respond to behavioral escalations with professional intervention techniques, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams – Work alongside psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals to develop and refine individualized treatment plans that align with patient recovery goals.
How To Apply Please attach a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to this application.
Questions? Email the recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09224.
Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, 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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, staff training, and other compensation benefits. Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. Details of benefits, including premium rates and enrollment procedures, are available on the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
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.
Updated 07-21-2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr