DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
About The Position
Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH), operated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is a 72-bed state-operated psychiatric facility providing evidence-based treatment to civilly committed patients experiencing significant psychiatric disabilities. The Behavioral Health Specialist 3 joins the Social Work team and supports patient stabilization, recovery, and successful transitions back to the community. The position provides direct patient support, coordinates visitation and authorized leave activities, assists with discharge-related services, and provides administrative support to the Social Work team. It also involves collaboration with community partners and other professionals involved in patient services. BHS3 staff are cross-trained and provide coverage and support for one another as needed. The role offers experience in behavioral health, patient engagement, care coordination, discharge planning, community collaboration, and exposure to social work practice in behavioral health treatment.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree, preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology, or another social science, and two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting; or one year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2; or equivalent education and relevant experience.
- Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in speech and written documentation.
- Exceptional de-escalation skills with patients.
- Ability to work as a team member and resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
- Ability to ambulate safely in patient care areas.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities, meet time-sensitive deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation and records.
- Valid Washington State driver's license.
- Obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential within 60 days of hire and maintain the credential as required.
- Successfully complete OHBH screening requirements and required DSHS, BHHA, OHBH, and other applicable trainings.
- Meet applicable employee health requirements.
- Successfully pass the DSHS criminal background check required for the position.
- Be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
- Submit a letter of interest and three professional references with current contact information; one reference must be the current supervisor.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support to patients experiencing significant psychiatric symptoms, using effective communication, sound judgment, and de-escalation skills.
- Coordinate and facilitate patient services, which may include visitation, authorized leave, pre-placement visits, interpretive services, and other assigned services.
- Support discharge and community transitions by assisting with transportation to placements, preparing discharge packets, and maintaining accurate discharge-related information.
- Provide administrative and patient support to the Social Work team, including maintaining patient information in WellSky and TDPS and coordinating other assigned administrative tasks.
- Document relevant patient interactions, services, and activities in the medical record in accordance with established documentation standards.
- Maintain cross-training in the responsibilities of other BHS3 staff and provide coverage and support as needed.
- Collaborate with community partners and other professionals involved in patient services.
Benefits
- Employees are eligible to receive a free ORCA card.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
