DSHS WSH Recreation Behavioral Health Specialist 3

State of Washington•Lakewood, WA

52d•Onsite

About The Position

Western State Hospital, adult psychiatric hospital, has multiple full-time opportunities for Recreation Behavioral Health Specialists. Join us and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate while helping shape the future of health services for a safe and therapeutic environment. Our Behavioral Health Specialist 3 job (formerly called Institution Counselor 3) is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you have the ability to grow and enjoy the work you do. You'll plan, acquire supplies, implement, and review active treatment groups and one-on-one active treatment. We have day shift jobs available in our Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Recreation/SECO program. SECO (Staff-Escorted Community Outings) provides residents who have earned the privilege to go into the community with staff the ability to engage in experiences outside the hospital as they progress toward community living. We're hiring for the Evening and Weekend program, full-time, with four 10-hour days, which are either Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 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 hours include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Requirements

Those with a bachelor's degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science.
Two years of professional counseling or casework experience.
Equivalent combination of education/experience.
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2.
Employees obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Counseling/Teaching in a group setting.
In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics.
Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles.
Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision.
Proficient in oral, written, and electronic communication skills.
Willingness to engage with patients in recreational or community settings.

Responsibilities

Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co-leading Active Treatment Groups either on-ward and/or within the treatment mall setting.
Participate in staff-escorted community outings with residents for recreational and community reintegration purposes.
Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addendums, and attendance records.
Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence-based treatment for regular occurring events and one-time engagements.
Attend treatment team and daily team meetings to discuss progress, share input, and provide a strategy for patient treatment.
Research evidence-based practices and group preparation.
Order/gather supplies for groups, and escort patients to and from activities and groups.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing court-ordered Staff Escorted Community Outings and recreational activities.

Benefits

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 hours include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

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