DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3

Posting number: 2026-04178

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHA

Job classification: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services

Summary

BHHA Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3 

Join our team as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center (BHTC) – Maple Lane Campus in Centralia, WA.

BHTC – Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. There are 4 units at the campus with more onboarding over the upcoming years. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. By treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.

Being a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 offers a chance to truly impact people's lives. You get to provide essential daily support, guidance, and care to people in need, helping them navigate behavioral health circumstances. It's about making a difference, building trust, and fostering positive change in a structured environment. Plus, you'll work with a team of dedicated professionals, gaining valuable experience in behavioral health and social services.

The Behavioral Health and Treatment Center at Maple Lane Campus is a pioneering competent of DSHS' Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), where our dedicated staff offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. 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.

Some of what you will do:

• Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, and facility rules.
• Encourage residents to participate in treatment and recreation activities; interact with residents daily.
• Transport residents to and from appointments in the community.
• Assist with problem solving and informal counseling, individually and in small groups.
• Facilitate or assist with small group sessions and participate in meetings on treatment progress.
• Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation skills.
• Attend treatment team and daily team meetings; provide shift updates.
• Monitor residents and maintain a safe, secure living environment; conduct proper security procedures.
• And more!

Who should apply:

• Professionals with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science

• And 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness 

Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above. 

Interested or have questions? Please contact Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference #04178

Why Join Us? 
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:

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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