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Job description
Behavioral Health Specialist 2
DSHS WSH – Behavioral Health Specialist 2 Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery? Western State Hospital (WSH), one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist 2 (formerly Institution Counselor 2) to join our dedicated team in Lakewood, WA. This role is essential to our mission of providing compassionate, recovery-focused care to individuals living with serious mental illness. As a Behavioral Health Specialist 2, you will lead and co-lead therapeutic group activities, deliver counseling rooted in recovery principles, and help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive treatment environment. You'll also work collaboratively with families and community partners to support ongoing recovery goals. If you're committed to making a meaningful impact in a dynamic hospital setting, we encourage you to join us at WSH and be part of the healing process.
About Western State Hospital Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital provides inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Some of what you'll do:
Lead or co-lead therapeutic group activities and provide counseling grounded in recovery principles for individuals with mental illness.
Promote recovery-oriented care in all patient interactions and collaborate with families and community agencies to support ongoing treatment goals.
Complete clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, attendance records, and input for treatment conferences.
Assist with nursing care, health, and hygiene tasks in alignment with hospital and ward policies.
Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies, using de-escalation techniques and, when necessary, safe physical interventions under nursing guidance.
Escort or transport individuals and support their participation in daily routines, recreational activities, and therapeutic programs.
Maintain a therapeutic environment by fostering safety, building relationships, and contributing to hospital committees, training, or special assignments.
What we're looking for:
Understanding of group dynamics and therapeutic group processes.
Familiarity with psychiatric symptoms and recovery-oriented care principles.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with patients and staff.
Ability to assess situations and determine appropriate, compassionate interventions.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, individual and group behavior, and related social factors.
Capacity to build respectful, therapeutic relationships; individuals with lived experience or in recovery are encouraged to apply.
Who should apply? Professionals with:
Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences or two year's experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting. Or
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1. Or
An equivalent combination of education/experience.
Note :
Graduate training in behavioral social science may be substituted for experience.
This position requires possession of a current Washington State Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license or be listed on the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) registry.
It is required to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of hire.
Additional information:
Work Schedule: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
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.
Interested? Along with your application, please include:
An updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at and reference job number #07376.
Worksite address
lakewood, WA, 98496, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.