DSHS SCC Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3

State of Washington

Pierce County – SteilacoomFull Time57k–77k USDPosted Today

Posting number: 2026-06265

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services, Human Services

Summary

DSHS SCC Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3

The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 3 (RRC 3) to join the Special Commitment Center (SCC) on McNeil Island in the Puget Sound.

This RRC 3 lead position is assigned to the Alder PA1, with the flexibility to support other units as operational needs arise. In this role, you will guide staff working with disorderly, psychotic, and aging adult residents who may require intensive 1:1 care, close observation, and active engagement. Residents may present imminent safety risks to themselves or others, be vulnerable to harm, attempt to escape, or engage in behaviors that include property damage or sabotage.

Note: The schedule for this position is Saturday through Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Thursday and Friday 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'll do:

Assist staff with residents regarding policies, procedures, protocols and living unit and SCC rules.
Assist staff in encouraging residents to participate in approved extra-curricular activities.
Assist staff with the unit operations and day to day interaction with residents.
Assist, as directed with, Behavior Management Reports, Incident Reports, Witness statements, Observation Reports etc. regarding individual residents’ non-compliance with SCC policies, living unit rules and inappropriate or unsafe behaviors.
Assist staff with problem solving residents concerns and questions.
Assist staff in encouraging residents in working toward treatment – “Current Conditions” and residential goals.
Assist in providing clear verbal direction and interventions with residents on a daily basis and a “lead” in first respondent situations.
Other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for:

Ability to respond appropriately and cope with aggressive behavior using appropriate and effective verbal de-escalation tactics.
Must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle.
Will be required to work mandatory overtime.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Required to work alone while stationed on a living unit or while monitoring resident activities.
Required to work in areas or units other than the location of principle assignment.
Required to fill in as unit staff as well and provide breaks as they arise.
Strong writing skills.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a High School diploma or GED.

AND

Two years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates in a residential, in-patient, and/or correctional mental health setting.

One year of experience as a supervisor/lead worker and two years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents, or inmates in a residential, in-patient, and/or correctional mental health setting.

*This position requires obtaining the Affiliated Counselor Credential within six months of hire.

Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06265.

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 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 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 & 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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Ready to apply? You'll be taken to State of Washington's application page.