DSHS BHHA Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2

DSHS BHHA Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Salary

$4,866.00 - $6,542.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County - Grand Mound, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-02030

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

BHHA

Opening Date

06/29/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits

Description

DSHS Peer Support Specialist - Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery? The Behavioral Health Treatment Center (BHTC) is looking for a full-time and part-time Behavioral Health Specialist 2 (formally Institutional Counselor 2) at the Maple Lane Campus in Grand Mound located in Centralia, WA.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will have experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe or persistent mental illness and is willing to use and share his or her personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insight with residents. This position will assist with navigation of resident recovery processes, be able to appropriately share their experiences with the residents, be able to coach residents to advocate for themselves regarding; hygiene, employment, social skills, household duties, public transport, or other tasks deemed necessary by treatment team.

The part-time schedule is as follows: Tuesday 8am-4:30pm; Wednesday 8am-4:30pm and Thursday 8am-12pm.

Some of what youll do:

• Provide clients with expertise about the recovery process, symptom management and persistence required by residents to lead a satisfying life
• Set and maintain appropriate professional boundaries while balancing the sometimes-conflicting demands of being both a peer to resident and an employee of Maple Lane Forensic Recovery Program (MLFRP)
• Provide guidance in constructing and encouraging residents to take responsibility and participate in their own wellness or recovery plan
• Promote hope and empowerment with willingness to share their own experiences as appropriate, designed to help residents attain recovery goals, and maintain the highest possible level of independence, even during periods of instability with the passion and enthusiasm for peer support and the possibility for recovery for everyone
• Maintains certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention facilitation (or other designated de-escalation training appointed by BHA)
• Provide coaching, guidance and support form strength-based perspective in areas to include transition services from hospital to community, supported companionship, money management and medical management
• Collaboration with residents on awareness of resident rights, including grievance and complaint procedures; support resident with filing, mediating, and resolving complaints
• Increase awareness of self-help and consumer advocacy groups with promote recovery, while acting as the liaison between community resources and such groups
• The Peer Support Specialists provide consultation to residents and families in areas of community resources, treatment planning and crisis intervention and substance abuse services
• Educate residents to find and effectively use a primary care physician, dentist and other medical specialist as required
• Other duties as assigned

What were looking for:

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to advocate for residents and support treatment team decisions
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to form trusting and reciprocal relationships
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Satisfactory completion of two years of college, preferably with emphasis in one of the social sciences AND two year's experience in a psychiatric or mental health, or health care setting.

OR

• One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 1.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology or other social sciences
• An equivalent combination of education/experience.

NOTE: Must have or able to obtain a DOH Peer Certification

Interested?

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 02030.

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 drivers 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.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov