DSHS Steilacoom Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Posting number: 2026-05905

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services

Summary

We're hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join our team! In this role, you will work closely with forensic treatment teams to develop and implement active treatment strategies and interventions with residents. The interventions implemented will be for residents with mental illnesses, and will primarily focus on competency restoration, illness management, recovery strategies, and life skill development. 

The Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for identifying, implementing, and integrating evidence-based practices into current therapeutic programming. This individual must demonstrate a strong ability to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with residents experiencing psychiatric disabilities, while applying recovery-oriented principles of mental illness treatment. Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Specialist 4, the specialist will document patient progress in accordance with applicable standards and Behavioral Health and Treatment Centers (BHTC) guidelines, maintaining accurate, timely, and person-centered records.

Work Schedule: 3:00PM - 11:30PM, Days Off Tuesday/Wednesday.

• Provide daily guidance to residents on facility policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Encourage and support resident participation in treatment, recreation, and skill-building activities.
• Transport and accompany residents to appointments, ensuring safety and appropriate supervision.
• Assist with problem-solving and provide informal counseling in individual and small group settings.
• Facilitate or support group sessions and contribute to discussions on treatment progress.
• Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation and intervention techniques.
• Monitor resident activity, follow security procedures, and help maintain a safe and structured environment.
  
  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, colleagues, and treatment teams.
• Ability to assess situations, think critically, and take appropriate, timely action.
• Experience facilitating or participating in group processes and therapeutic activities.
• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effective de-escalation techniques, with an emphasis on least-restrictive interventions.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in a treatment setting.
• Experience working in a psychiatric or behavioral health care environment.
• Training or experience in non-violent crisis intervention and behavior management strategies.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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 are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.