DSHS WSH Institution Counselor 2

As an Institution Counselor 2 at Western State Hospital, you will use your critical thinking and counseling skills to improve the lives of patients with Behavioral Health issues. Here is your chance to be part of a compassionate team that promotes recovery principles and develops therapeutic relationships with our patients.

Western State Hospital is committed to compassionate patient care and we strive to serve all patients and family members with the utmost respect. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality, safest, and most effective treatment to every patient. This is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you can grow, enjoy the work you do, and Transform Lives.

There are multiple openings for both Forensic and Civil for this Institution Counselor 2 at Western State Hospital.

Some of what you'll do

• Perform therapeutic-type activities with individuals and in group settings
• Plan, schedule, organize and coordinate activities both on and off the Treatment and Recovery Center
• Engage and participate with patients in a variety of activities available to patients in the Quad and the Center of Forensic Services
• Document patient participation in grounds privileges and note behavior concerns or other important clinical behavior or comments made by the patients
• Assist in writing treatment plans, goals, or addenda as requested by the supervisor
• Attend and contribute to treatment conferences, independent patient reviews, and staff meetings.

What we're looking for:

• One year as an Institution Counselor 1 OR
• A Bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology or other social science and one year of social service OR
• Completion of two years of college, preferably with an emphasis in one of the social sciences and two years of experience in mental health or social casework and one year of social service experience

AND

• Knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and effectively communicate with psychiatric patients
• Experience transporting and escorting patients on and off grounds safely and respectfully Experience caring for psychiatric patients in a hospital, school or mental health facility
• NAR and/or NAC required
• Current Food Handler’s Permit or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of hire

Graduate training in behavioral social science may be substituted for experience.

Current Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential (or equivalent) with the Washington State Department of Health is needed within 60 days of employment.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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.

Questions? Email saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference hiring project 04500
To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

NOTE: Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.

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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