DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3

DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3 - CCE Community Transition Coordinator The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join Western State Hospital's Civil Center of Excellence (CCE) Discharge Team. Western State Hospital provides psychiatric care to individuals across Washington. Our staff are committed to treating every patient with dignity and respect while supporting recovery in safe, therapeutic settings. As a Community Transition Coordinator, you will play a vital role on the Civil Center of Excellence (CCE) Discharge Team, supporting patients as they prepare to transition from hospital care back into the community. In this Behavioral Health Specialist 3 (BHS3) position, you will provide compassionate guidance and practical assistance to ensure successful discharges and long‑term stability. Note 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. Some of what you'll do: Work with social work staff to address patient identification needs, including obtaining WA State IDs. Coordinate with the Social Security Administration and Department of Health to secure required documentation for patients. Serve as the primary contact for immigration‑related needs, working with Homeland Security, embassies, and other stakeholders. Plan and coordinate trips with WSH social workers for pre‑placement visits, discharges, transfers, and community outings. Review treatment plans and patient charts with discharge social workers to assess needs before community outings. Provide counseling, coaching, and support to patients during outings and assist with interviews at placement facilities. Document outing details and impressions in TRx to inform treatment teams of patient progress. Offer counseling and support on discharge day to ease patient anxiety and ensure a smooth transition to community living. Teach and coach patients on appropriate community behaviour while maintaining a therapeutic and safe environment. Participate in staff meetings, discharge‑related meetings, and case consultations to support patient transitions. Who should apply? Those with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science. Two years of professional counseling or casework experience. One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2. Equivalent education/relevant experience. An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will also need to be obtained within 30 days of employment. More information can be found here. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for: Communication skills – Express ideas clearly with patients, staff, and interdisciplinary team members. Therapeutic skills – Apply behavioural support models, de‑escalation, and recovery principles in daily practice. Collaboration – Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting treatment plans and goals. Problem‑solving – Remain calm and think critically in high‑pressure or emergency situations. Adaptability – Adjust to changing patient needs, treatment settings, and team priorities. Instructional skills – Coach and train staff by modelling interventions and offering constructive feedback. Technical skills – Use Microsoft Office and electronic systems to track, document, and share patient information. Interested? Apply today 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 Colour, people with physical, behavioural health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 08207. 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 licence. 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 programmes or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/ expression, marital status, race, creed, colour, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honourably 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr