DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 4

DSHS Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 4

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring a full-time Behavioral Health Specialist 4 (BHS4) to join the leadership team at The Behavioral Health and Treatment Centers at Maple Lane Campus – Oak Unit, a residential treatment facility located in Centralia, Washington. The units on campus provide behavioral health care for to up to 32 civil or forensic residents in a structured, supportive and secure setting.

This position is for Swing Shift 2:00PM-1030PM, working days are Tuesday through Saturday with Sunday and Mondays off.

As a BHS4 you will help maintain a safe, calm and respectful environment where residents can build skills, stabilize and work toward recovery. You will lead by example on the unit, guide staff through daily operations and step in during complex or high-stress situations. Your presence helps staff feel supported and residents feel respected.

This position has a strong leadership focus. You will supervise Behavioral Health Specialist 3 staff, help train and coach them, and make sure work is done safely, fairly and in line with policy. You will also work closely with medical staff, clinical staff, and program leadership to support resident treatment goals and improve how services are delivered. As a supervisor you are expected to always represent the facility and campus positively and professionally.

Additional Information:

• 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'll do:

• Facilitate the scheduled occurrence of structured groups and recreational activities
• Assign BHS staff to facilitate groups or assist with facilitation of groups.
• Oversee resident incentive store to include tracking of points
• Supervise implementation of behavior management procedures in the milieu when a resident is violent, suicidal, or otherwise dysregulated
• Supervise and monitor BHS3s carrying out their job duties
• Provide workload coverage for other BHS4 and BHS3 vacancies and leave
• Monitor and track resident participation or other treatment related activities/goals
• Ensure the BHS team is up to date on all mandatory trainings, refresher trainings, monthly training, other designated or required trainings and certifications.
• Conduct an individual supervisory meeting with each direct report at least once per month
• Conduct investigations of facility staff and provide detailed reports including recommendations for corrective action to leadership
• Complete accurate, detailed and timely audits of BHS3 documentation
• Create facility information packets for stakeholders
• Proactively promote equity, diversity, access and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned

Who should apply: Professionals with either:

• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3;

OR

• A bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science AND three years of professional counseling or casework experience to include supervisory and/or leadership experience;
• One year of graduate training in behavioral social sciences may be substituted for equivalent education/relevant experience.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Lead others with confidence and care: Guide staff, set clear expectations and support growth through coaching, feedback and accountability.
• Policy knowledge: The ability to understand and apply laws, rules and procedures to real-life situations.
• Communicate clearly: Share information in writing and in conversation with staff, leadership, residents and partners in a respectful and direct way.
• Emotional intelligence: Stay calm, fair and steady when responding to emergencies, safety concerns or complex situations.
• Apply behavioral health knowledge: Recognize psychiatric symptoms and understand how they can affect behavior in a residential setting.
• Promote equity and inclusion: Treat all residents and staff with dignity, respect and consistency in daily interactions and decision-making.
• Work collaboratively: Partner with clinical staff, leadership and peers to support shared goals and consistent care.

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:


Questions? Please contactsharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 03529.

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, 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 at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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

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 at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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