Posting number: 2026-06261
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Job classification: RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 4
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Social Services, Management, Counseling, Community and Social Services
SummaryResidential Rehabilitation Counselor 4 - Program Area Supervisor
The Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking an experienced Residential Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisor to support operations at the Pierce County – Total Confinement Facility on McNeil Island, WA.
This role provides coverage for the On-Site Supervisor, Security 1, and Residential 1 posts. As the On-Site Supervisor, you will oversee all residential operations within the Total Confinement Facility, serving as the key link between management and daily Security and Residential functions across the island. The position may be required to respond to and lead Quick Response Team and Emergency Response Team activities during emergent situations.
Schedule: Swing shift, Sunday–Wednesday, 2 p.m.–12 a.m., with Thursday–Saturday off.
Special Commitment Center (SCC) employees also receive an additional $10 per day premium pay in addition to advertised salary and a free ORCA card for transportation use. Ferry transportation is provided to McNeil Island employees. 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. Overtime is available but not mandatory.
Some of what you will do:- Supervise up to 10 Staff Members.
- Ensure staff have read, understand, and apply treatment plans for individual residents.
- Ensure residents’ physical needs are met per SCC policy and procedure.
- Provide information to residents’ treatment teams regarding resident appropriateness and rule compliance/lack of compliance.
- Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, protocols, and living unit rules and regulations.
- Encourage residents to participate in approved extra-curricular activities.
- Provide staff with constructive and timely feedback using authorized methods such as meeting with the staff, writing their evaluations.
- Ensure the accurate completion and timely submission of staff payroll.
- Provide clear and concise directions to subordinate staff.
- Provide counseling and guidance to subordinate staff regarding the implementation of institutional policy and procedures.
- Direct the RRC staff in their day-to-day supervision and accountability of SCC residents.
- Direct the RRC staff in assuring that residents comply with facility policy, standard operating procedures, unit, and program rules.
- Provide ongoing in-service training to RRC staff.
- Provide instruction, as directed by the RPD, to new employees undergoing other SCC training.
What we're looking for:
- Must ride a ferry and bus to and from the worksite.
- Must be able to pass and perform the physical and knowledge requirements of CPR, first responder level first aid, Level 1 Defensive Tactics, within 90 days of hire, and if necessary Level 2 Defensive Tactics.
- Must be able to effectively assist in the restraint of acting out residents.
- May be required to work alone while stationed in a living unit or while monitoring resident activities.
- May be required to work in areas or units other than the location of the principal assignment.
Who should apply?
- A high school diploma or GED and three years of experience in the care of psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates in a behavioral management program, forensic mental health setting, or correctional mental health program.
- Or, one year of experience as a supervisor/lead worker and two years of experience in the care of psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates.
- College-level coursework in one of the social sciences will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Experience supervising teams of 4 or more staff members.
- Proven ability to develop, write, or review program curriculum.
- Background in behavioral health or related field.
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.
Questions? Contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06261.
Supplemental informationPrior 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 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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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