
DSHS ESH Mental Health Program Specialist
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Lake, WA, United States
Description
Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable supporting people during hard moments? As a Mental Health Program Specialist, you’ll coordinate critical overnight operations at Eastern State Hospital. You’ll support our nursing staff, manage records, and occasionally provide hands‑on care to patients during the quietest hours of the day. This position functions as a confidential assistant to the Nurse Manager (Registered Nurse 4). You’ll be the person who keeps things in motion behind the scenes; tracking staffing, keeping documentation accurate, and making sure shifts are covered. It’s detail‑heavy, people‑focused work that matters to both your colleagues and the patients in our care. This position is ideal for someone who is organized, practical, proficient in using office equipment, has excellent computer skills, and unfazed by change.
Evening and Night shifts include a $2.50/hour 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. The schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 2:30pm – 11:00pm.
Some Of What You'll Do
Maintain the master schedule for assigned work area.
Track employee movements and position changes.
Analyze data to determine needs for training and work with nursing disciplines to develop and provide that training.
Coordinate patient appointments and transportation for appointments outside the hospital.
Assist in the maintenance of confidential employee files.
Work with nursing leadership to update nursing standards, hospital nursing policies and procedures.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We’re Looking For
Computer proficiency – Able to navigate electronic systems, learn new programs, and keep digital records organized and up to date.
Process knowledge – Understands how to track inventory, manage employee information, and follow through on administrative changes.
Familiarity with employee policies – Knows the basics of employee leave practices and collective bargaining agreements.
Facility awareness – Understands hospital or facility policies and daily procedures.
Crisis de‑escalation – Applies safe, respectful strategies to reduce tension and maintain safety.
Health and safety standards – Knows and follows protocols for blood‑borne pathogens, CPR, and infection control.
Who should apply?
Two years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 and possession of a current Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Two years of experience as a Mental Health Technician 3, Forensic Care Associate, or Psychiatric Security Nurse and current, unencumbered Washington state nursing assistant registration.
Three years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 3 and current, unencumbered Washington state nursing assistant registration.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable supporting people during hard moments? As a Mental Health Program Specialist, you’ll coordinate critical overnight operations at Eastern State Hospital. You’ll support our nursing staff, manage records, and occasionally provide hands‑on care to patients during the quietest hours of the day. This position functions as a confidential assistant to the Nurse Manager (Registered Nurse 4). You’ll be the person who keeps things in motion behind the scenes; tracking staffing, keeping documentation accurate, and making sure shifts are covered. It’s detail‑heavy, people‑focused work that matters to both your colleagues and the patients in our care. This position is ideal for someone who is organized, practical, proficient in using office equipment, has excellent computer skills, and unfazed by change.
Evening and Night shifts include a $2.50/hour 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. The schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 2:30pm – 11:00pm.
Some Of What You'll Do
Maintain the master schedule for assigned work area.
Track employee movements and position changes.
Analyze data to determine needs for training and work with nursing disciplines to develop and provide that training.
Coordinate patient appointments and transportation for appointments outside the hospital.
Assist in the maintenance of confidential employee files.
Work with nursing leadership to update nursing standards, hospital nursing policies and procedures.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We’re Looking For
Computer proficiency – Able to navigate electronic systems, learn new programs, and keep digital records organized and up to date.
Process knowledge – Understands how to track inventory, manage employee information, and follow through on administrative changes.
Familiarity with employee policies – Knows the basics of employee leave practices and collective bargaining agreements.
Facility awareness – Understands hospital or facility policies and daily procedures.
Crisis de‑escalation – Applies safe, respectful strategies to reduce tension and maintain safety.
Health and safety standards – Knows and follows protocols for blood‑borne pathogens, CPR, and infection control.
Who should apply?
Two years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 and possession of a current Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Two years of experience as a Mental Health Technician 3, Forensic Care Associate, or Psychiatric Security Nurse and current, unencumbered Washington state nursing assistant registration.
Three years of experience as an Attendant Counselor 3 and current, unencumbered Washington state nursing assistant registration.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
#J-18808-Ljbffr