DSHS CSTC Behavioral Health Specialist 3 – Activities Specialist

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

For children and adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric care, meaningful activity can be part of treatment. As a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, you'll help plan and lead activities that support the individual and group treatment needs of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. CSTC is Washington's only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5-17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. You'll work alongside Recreation Therapists, Youth Counselors, Clinical Services staff, and other members of the treatment team to provide structured activities on the cottage, elsewhere on campus, and in the community. This isn't simply about keeping patients occupied. You'll consider each patient's needs, interests, and ability to participate; use activities as part of treatment; observe how patients respond; and share information that helps the treatment team understand their progress and concerns. We encourage you to apply if you know how to engage children and adolescents while maintaining the structure and awareness required in a psychiatric care environment. You can adapt activities to different needs and abilities, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and remain calm when a patient's behavior escalates. Because you'll work directly with patients, you'll also need to be comfortable responding to emergencies using verbal de-escalation and, when necessary, hands-on interventions. Your first 90 days will focus on learning CSTC's treatment environment, patient safety practices, activity programs, and documentation expectations while building relationships with the Recreation Department, Clinical Services, cottage staff, and treatment teams.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science, and two years of professional counseling or casework experience OR One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 OR A combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years that provides the skills needed for this role.
Knowledge of patient safety and emergency response policies and procedures.
Knowledge of therapeutic communication and trauma-informed care.
Skill in verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution in high-stress situations.
Familiarity with seclusion and restraint protocols and structured debriefing practices.
The ability to remain calm and respond effectively during psychiatric emergencies.
The physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical interventions when required.
The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines.

Responsibilities

Plan and lead individual and group activities based on patients' treatment needs, interests, and abilities.
Lead or co-lead activities on the cottage, elsewhere on campus, and in the community.
Help patients adapt to recreational and community environments.
Support Recreation Therapists and other recreation staff with groups and programs.
Observe and document patient participation and behavior to inform treatment planning.
Research and plan individual interventions based on patient needs and ability to participate.
Plan and facilitate cottage and hospital-wide special events.
Escort patients to and from activities on and off campus.
Respond to patient emergencies using verbal de-escalation and hands-on techniques when needed.
Maintain required patient care documentation and activity information.