What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS BHA Institution Counselor position at State of Washington?
BHA Maple Lane Institution Counselor 3
Join our team as an Institution Counselor 3 at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA.
Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed, in need of competency restoration, or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. Treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.
Being an Institutional Counselor offers a chance to truly impact people's lives. You get to provide essential support, guidance, and care to people in need, helping them navigate behavioral health circumstances. It's about making a difference, building trust, and fostering positive change in a structured environment. Plus, you'll work with a team of dedicated professionals, gaining valuable experience in behavioral health and social services.
Maple Lane is a key business unit of DSHS's Behavioral Health Administration, where our dedicated staff offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
This job ad is for our on-call shifts. When scheduled for on-call, you usually know your schedule a month in advance. Some of our on-call employees choose to work weekend hours, while others may be scheduled for up to full-time hours during their on-call weeks.
Additionally, on-call shifts:
- Can give you a great foot-in-the-door to state employment.
- Provide the ability to earn supplemental income.
- Allow you the flexibility in your schedule for work-life balance.
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 will do:
- Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, and facility rules.
- Encourage residents to participate in treatment and recreation activities; interact with residents daily.
- Transport residents to and from appointments in the community.
- Remain with residents while at the appointments.
- Assist with problem solving and informal counseling, individually and in small groups.
- Facilitate or assist with small group sessions and participate in meetings on treatment progress.
- Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation skills.
- Attend treatment team and daily team meetings; provide shift updates.
- Monitor residents and maintain a safe, secure living environment; conduct proper security procedures.
Who should apply:
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science
And 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness
Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above.
Interested or have questions? Apply today or contact peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00569.
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:
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
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Salary : $25 - $34
