DSHS WSH Mental Health Technician 2

Posting number: 2026-06173

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health

Summary

DSHS WSH Mental Health Technician 2 

Take the next step in your career as a mental health professional. Western State Hospital is currently seeking multiple Mental Health Technician 2's to join their dedicated team of mental health professionals.

In this role, you will be working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and provide our patients with physical, emotional, psychological, and rehabilitative care. You'll encourage and assist patients, as well as participate in a variety of recreational and social activities that promote the well-being and recovery of our patients. 

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. Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation use. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.   

Some of what you'll do

• Provide nursing and therapeutic care to patients with psychiatric and physical illnesses
• Observe, record, and report changes in patient condition and behaviors
• Report clinical information such as patient vital signs, collect specimens, complete ward rounds, and take patient census
• Provide physical support/interventions for clients using program-approved methods which may include moving or transferring
• Assist, manage, and coordinate the safety and security of patients' personal possessions
• Encourage patients to participate in individual and group activities
• Intervene when patients exhibit high-risk behaviors
• Promote recovery principles in interactions and interventions with patients
• Escort patients on and off of hospital grounds

We're looking for those with

• A high school diploma or GED or higher

AND

• Two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting

AND

• A current Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) within the State of Washington 

Desired

• Ability to communicate through oral and written forms of communication with management, peers, patients, and the public
• Skills to assist with potentially assaultive or self-harming patients
• Working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations

Questions? Contact Alex Baclaan Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06173.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin