DSHS Steilacoom Peer Support Specialist

State of Washington • Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (Behavioral Health Specialist 3), formerly known as Institutional Counselor 3, works with forensic treatment teams at the Fort Steilacoom Competency Restoration Program (FSCRP), a Residential Treatment Facility on the Western State Hospital campus in Lakewood, Washington. The role provides advocacy and support to patients experiencing mental health challenges while awaiting criminal proceedings in Washington county or municipal courts. The specialist draws on lived experience with behavioral health and/or competency services and shares practical knowledge and personal insight with patients.

The role supports residents with mental illnesses through active treatment strategies focused primarily on competency restoration, illness management, recovery, and life-skills development. The Steilacoom Unit is a 30-bed facility that provides court-ordered competency restoration through structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management. Its recovery-focused, person-centered program helps residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, strengthen communication skills, participate in treatment planning, and transition back to the legal system or, when needed, to longer-term psychiatric care.

The position is temporary. Work is performed at the Residential Treatment Facility in Lakewood. On-site work at this location at least three days per week may qualify for an additional 5% premium pay. Pierce County employees are eligible for an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Requirements

• Lived experience involving behavioral health and/or competency services, with willingness to use and share personal and practical experience with patients.
• A bachelor's degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science, and at least two years of professional counseling or casework experience; OR one year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with residents, colleagues, and treatment teams.
• Ability to assess situations, think critically, and take appropriate, timely action.
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effective de-escalation techniques, emphasizing least-restrictive interventions.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in a treatment setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience facilitating or participating in group processes and therapeutic activities.
• Training or experience in non-violent crisis intervention and behavior management strategies.
• A bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, or another social science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients with expertise about recovery, symptom management, and the persistence needed to lead a satisfying life.
• Assist patients with creating and maintaining Wellness Recovery Action Plans.
• Use shared past experience and confidence in personal wellness to validate patients' experiences.
• Advocate for patient rights, self-determination, and decision-making in treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
• Provide guidance and consultation from a patient's perspective on symptoms, medication effects and side effects, treatment opinions, and recovery experiences.
• Increase patient awareness of self-help and consumer advocacy groups that promote recovery.
• Consult with patients and families about community resources, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and substance abuse services.
• Help patients plan and carry out social and leisure activities, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Complete patient documentation within the timeframes specified in job expectations.
• Work with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions for residents.

Benefits

• Potential additional 5% premium pay for eligible on-site work performed at the location at least three days a week.
• Orca Card for transportation needs for Pierce County employees.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level