BHS Specialist - Bachelor ’s-Level in Spokane, Washington at Volunteers of America Eastern Washington

About the Role
The BHS Specialist is a behavioral health position designed for individuals actively enrolled in a Master’s program in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.

This role is embedded within VOA Eastern Washington’s Integrated Care Model and supports the Young Adult Shelter team. Under clinical supervision, the BHS Specialist provides behavioral health support, psychoeducation, crisis response, and brief therapeutic interventions to young adults experiencing homelessness, trauma, substance use challenges, and housing instability.

The BHS Specialist works closely with an interdisciplinary team to support participant stabilization, engagement, and continuity of care using trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered practices.

Schedule
• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Schedule may include day, evening (swing), weekend, and occasional holiday shifts
• Work is conducted within a 24/7 residential program

Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
• Provide behavioral health support and brief interventions under clinical supervision
• Deliver individual and group-based behavioral health interventions focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, behavioral stabilization, problem solving, and social-emotional functioning
• Provide crisis prevention and intervention services
• Support participants experiencing mental health symptoms, trauma-related concerns, substance use challenges, behavioral dysregulation, and housing instability
• Utilize evidence-based approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Strengths-Based Care, Person-Centered Care, Behavioral Activation, and Psychoeducation
• Provide behavioral health screening, supported referrals, and coordination with ongoing treatment providers

Engagement and Support
• Collaborate with program supervisors, licensed clinicians, support staff, housing specialists, care coordinators, peer supports, and interdisciplinary team members
• Participate in care coordination meetings and case consultations
• Support continuity of care through coordination and warm handoffs to behavioral health providers, medical providers, substance use treatment services, and community-based organizations
• Assist participants in navigating behavioral health, medical, educational, employment, and housing systems
• Develop trusting, therapeutic relationships with participants through consistent engagement
• Maintain visibility within program spaces to support engagement and stabilization
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups, skill-building groups, and therapeutic activities

Documentation and Compliance
• Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in accordance with Medicaid, agency, and program requirements
• Support data collection and reporting for integrated behavioral health programming

Clinical Development and Supervision
• Participate in ongoing clinical supervision
• Maintain enrollment and good standing in a Master’s program
• Participate in required training, supervision meetings, staff meetings, and professional development activities
• Maintain ethical and professional standards consistent with behavioral health practice

Education and Experience
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, or a related field
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field
• Ability to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within 30 days of hire

Preferred
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young adults, homelessness, behavioral health, substance use, or vulnerable populations
• Experience working in shelter, residential, behavioral health, or integrated care settings

Preferred Skills and Experience
• Experience providing behavioral health support, psychoeducation, or crisis intervention
• Knowledge of Medicaid behavioral health documentation standards
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based practices
• Experience with HMIS or electronic health record systems
• Experience working with high-acuity populations

Core Competencies
• Ability to work within the scope of a non-licensed behavioral health role and seek supervision or clinical guidance when needed
• Strong interpersonal and therapeutic engagement skills
• Ability to build rapport with young adults experiencing trauma and instability
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to balance documentation, participant engagement, and operational responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care

Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Clinical supervision and support for career growth

Why Work at VOA Eastern Washington
• Be part of a mission-driven organization serving young adults experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges
• Gain hands-on experience in an integrated care model
• Work alongside a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Receive clinical supervision and professional development support
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young adults working toward stability, wellness, and housing