DSHS BHHA ESH Mental Health Technician

DSHS BHHA ESH – Mental Health Technician 2

Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is hiring dedicated Behavioral Health Nurse Aides, also known as Mental Health Technicians, to support individuals receiving inpatient treatment for behavioral health conditions. If you’re passionate about helping others and eager to learn, this is a great opportunity to grow in the healthcare field while working alongside experienced Registered Nurses. We provide all the training you need to succeed.

The care and support you offer in this role play a vital part in each patient’s journey toward recovery.

We are currently hiring for Full-Time, Part Time, and On-Call positions.

• Part-Time opportunities:
  Must have two years of experience in Behavioral Health.
• On-Call opportunities:
  Must have two years of experience in Behavioral Health and be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, including every weekend and all holidays.
• 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.
• Evening and Night shifts may include a $2.50 per hour shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

• Provide direct nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Follow individual treatment plans in accordance with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures.
• Support patient safety and comfort by assisting with basic needs, daily activities, and managing personal belongings.
• Identify and respond appropriately to escalating situations, using de-escalation techniques and team support when needed.
• Assist with moving, transferring, escorting, and transporting patients to and from activities.
• Communicate changes in patient condition and other clinical information to Registered Nurses and document appropriately.

• A high school diploma or GED.
• A current Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR), Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA), or Medical Assistant (MA) credential.

• Demonstrated patience and compassion when providing healthcare and assistance with daily living activities.
• Ability to recognize and deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, respectful, and non-threatening manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with patients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Awareness of patient safety protocols and the ability to ensure comfort and support in all aspects of care.
• Attentiveness to patients’ general health and hygiene needs, including support with bathing, grooming, and personal care tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

All Mental Health Technicians receive classroom and on-the-job training in patient interaction, facility policies and procedures, and effective ward observation.

Candidates selected must be available to complete the ESH New Employee Orientation for two weeks Monday – Friday 8am - 4:30pm.

Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or