DSHS ESH Institution Counselor 3

Description

Institution Counselor 3 (IC3) - Rehabilitation Department
 
Are you passionate about helping individuals on their journey to recovery? DSHS's Eastern State Hospital have an opening for an Institution Counselor 3 to join the Rehabilitation Department. The mission and vision of Eastern State Hospital is to provide specialized and intensive mental health treatment. In this role, you will work closely with patients and the dedicated treatment team to ensure that every individual has access to therapeutic programs designed for rehabilitation and long-term wellness.

Are you ready to make a direct impact in a setting that values evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, and structured recovery models? Whether you're facilitating psychoeducational programs, tracking patient progress, or collaborating with healthcare professionals, you will be at the forefront of behavioral health transformation.

Some of what you'll do:  

• Facilitate 10 hours per week of coping skills and psychoeducational programming to support patient rehabilitation.
• Track and assess patient progress in treatment programs, entering data into the electronic system to monitor therapeutic effectiveness.
• Work directly with the Treatment Team to design and adjust patient rehabilitation schedules that align with recovery goals.
• Conduct patient meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of assigned therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with group leaders to ensure accurate program goals and treatment methods are reflected in patient plans.
• Participate in rehabilitation improvement plans, attend departmental meetings, and stay current with training requirements.
• Ensure compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards.
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts when necessary to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

Who should apply?

OR 

What we are looking for: 

• Expertise in group behavior and dynamics – Facilitate therapeutic group sessions, ensuring patients engage in structured recovery activities that support emotional and behavioral stability.
• Knowledge of mental health recovery principles – Implement evidence-based interventions, guiding patients through coping strategies and treatment programs to promote long-term rehabilitation.
• Communicate clearly and professionally – Engage with patients, colleagues, and external partners to ensure transparency, alignment, and the successful execution of treatment programs. Therapeutic communication techniques should be used to foster trust, reduce agitation and support recovery processes.
• Implement infection control and safety protocols – Follow hospital and regulatory guidelines to reduce health risks and maintain a secure psychiatric care environment.
• De-escalate crisis situations effectively – Respond to behavioral escalations with professional intervention techniques, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams – Work alongside psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals to develop and refine individualized treatment plans that align with patient recovery goals.

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.

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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