DSHS WSH Recreation Behavioral Health Specialist

Overview

Western State Hospital, an 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.

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. On-site opportunities 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.

• 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.

Those with a bachelor’s degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science. And two years of professional counseling or casework experience. Or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Or 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. More information can be found here.

• 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.

If you have questions about the application process, email Anthony Distefano, Recruiter,  and reference job number 08134.

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, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service.

Supplemental: E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.