DSHS BHA Vocational Institution Counselor

BHA Maple Lane Vocational Institution Counselor

Join our team as a Vocational 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 a Vocational Institutional Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact by supporting residents in vocational skill development and career planning. You'll oversee on-site paid work experiences, coordinate off-site opportunities, and collaborate with community agencies to foster growth. In a structured environment, you'll guide Maple Lane residents toward positive change while you gain valuable experience in behavioral health and social services, working alongside a dedicated and supportive team.

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.

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:

• Counsels with and advises residents
• Provide support for on-site vocational programming
• Compile and prepare reports for resident's progress, reactions and adjustment
• Develop, write, implement and facilitate individual and group vocational treatments
• Interview residents to secure and compile vocational data and history
• Coordinate the supervision and guidance provided to the residents 
• Ensure resident weekly timecards are completed and submitted
• Help residents connect with agencies and organizations for employment support and off-site work opportunities

Who should apply:

Those with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving major study in sociology or other social science, AND

Two years of professional counseling or casework experience. One year of graduate training in behavioral social sciences may be substituted year for year for experience. AND at least one year of vocational training or support experience with clients/patients/residents.

OR

One year of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Vocational Services Specialist

Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above. 

Interested or have questions? Apply today or contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #02618.

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 : $4,410 - $5,929