Job Description

DSHS CSTC – Behavior Health Specialist 3 - Activities Specialist

Join us in making a meaningful impact as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA. In this vital role, your primary duties are to provide supplemental treatment support to the Recreational Department, Clinical Services Department, and the cottage milieu for purposes of planning, organizing and facilitating activities both on and off cottage for patients who reside at the Child Treatment and Study Center (CSTC).

This position works collaboratively with Recreational Therapist, Youth Counselors and other members of the treatment teams for treatment and activity planning as it pertains to the individualized and group needs of the patients. The Activity Specialist uses evidence-based interventions (i.e. individual and/or groups, activities) that are consistent with state, federal, and administrative procedures. The incumbent supports the treatment team and implements assigned scheduled activities which meet the needs, interest, and abilities of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.

About The CSTC

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

Some Of What You'll Do In This Role

• Instructs the patient in adapting to the recreational and community environment.
• Maintains statistical information and documentation related to patient care.
• Actively engages in direct care of patients by leading or co-leading activities as part of treatment both on cottage, off-cottage and in the community.
• Assists Recreation Therapists and other assigned recreation staff with groups, and facilitation of programs.
• Documents activities and patient behavior to inform the treatment team about concerns or progress.
• Plans and researches treatment and/or individual interventions based on patient need and assesses ability to meaningfully participate.
• Plans and facilitate special events for the respective cottages and hospital wide; which may include lifting, carrying heavy objects (food, beverages, snacks etc).
• Escorts patients to and from groups and activities; both on and off campus
• Responds to patient emergencies as needed; use of verbal de-escalation and hands on technigues may be a part of the intervention utilized.

What We're Looking For

• Knowledge of hospital, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to patient safety and emergency response.
• Strong understanding of therapeutic communication techniques and principles of trauma-informed care.
• Proficiency in verbal de-escalation strategies and personal conflict resolution in high-stress environments.
• Familiarity with incident command systems, seclusion/restraint protocols, and structured debriefing practices.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, perform physical interventions, and demonstrate safe restraint application.
• Capacity to remain calm and decisive during psychiatric emergencies and effectively intervene in behavioral crises.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Who should apply?

We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• 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 necessary skills for success in this role

Additional information

• Work schedule: Wednesday - Saturday 8:00AM - 6:30PM
• 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along With Your Application, Please Include

• An updated resume
• Proof of your highest level of education completed
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at ***email_hidden*** and reference job number #02889.

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.

Supplemental Information

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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