DSHS CSTC Behavioral Health Specialist 3 – Activities Specialist

For children and adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric care, meaningful activity can be part of treatment.

As a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, you'll help plan and lead activities that support the individual and group treatment needs of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.

CSTC is Washington's only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5-17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. You'll work alongside Recreation Therapists, Youth Counselors, Clinical Services staff, and other members of the treatment team to provide structured activities on the cottage, elsewhere on campus, and in the community.

This isn't simply about keeping patients occupied. You'll consider each patient's needs, interests, and ability to participate; use activities as part of treatment; observe how patients respond; and share information that helps the treatment team understand their progress and concerns.

We encourage you to apply if you know how to engage children and adolescents while maintaining the structure and awareness required in a psychiatric care environment. You can adapt activities to different needs and abilities, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and remain calm when a patient's behavior escalates.

Because you'll work directly with patients, you'll also need to be comfortable responding to emergencies using verbal de-escalation and, when necessary, hands-on interventions.

Your first 90 days will focus on learning CSTC's treatment environment, patient safety practices, activity programs, and documentation expectations while building relationships with the Recreation Department, Clinical Services, cottage staff, and treatment teams.

Still reading? Here's what the role involves.

Some of What You'll Do• Plan and lead individual and group activities based on patients' treatment needs, interests, and abilities.

• Lead or co-lead activities on the cottage, elsewhere on campus, and in the community.
• Help patients adapt to recreational and community environments.
• Support Recreation Therapists and other recreation staff with groups and programs.
• Observe and document patient participation and behavior to inform treatment planning.
• Research and plan individual interventions based on patient needs and ability to participate.
• Plan and facilitate cottage and hospital-wide special events.
• Escort patients to and from activities on and off campus.
• Respond to patient emergencies using verbal de-escalation and hands-on techniques when needed.
• Maintain required patient care documentation and activity information.

Who Should Apply You qualify through one of the following pathways:• A bachelor's degree, preferably in sociology, psychology, or another social science, and two years of professional counseling or casework experience

OR• One year of experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2

OR• A combination of education and relevant experience totaling six or more years that provides the skills needed for this role.

You'll also need:• Knowledge of patient safety and emergency response policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of therapeutic communication and trauma-informed care.
• Skill in verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution in high-stress situations.
• Familiarity with seclusion and restraint protocols and structured debriefing practices.
• The ability to remain calm and respond effectively during psychiatric emergencies.
• The physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical interventions when required.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines.

Schedule and Work Location The schedule is Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an ORCA card for transportation needs.

Positions performed onsite at this work location at least three days per week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

How to Apply Submit:• An updated resume.

• Proof of your highest level of education completed.
• Three professional references with contact information.

Questions? Email recruiter Kris George at [email protected] and reference job number 06995.

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.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. Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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