Corrections Specialist 4 / Sex Offense Treatment Therapist Community -Tacoma (CCD)

Description

Corrections Specialist 4 / Sex Offense Treatment Therapist Community

 The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to fill a permanent position of Corrections Specialist 4 (CS4) providing therapeutic services with the Sex Offense Treatment and Assessment Programs.
   
The mission of the Department of Corrections is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

The Health Services Division’s Sex Offense Treatment and Assessment Programs (SOTAP) is responsible for the delivery and implementation of evidence-based assessment and treatment practices and the operational support to facilitate the participation of individuals in treatment designed to decrease recidivism, which increases the safety of staff, clients, and the public.

The incumbent in this position is responsible for providing competent evidence-based clinical therapist services to those clients assigned to their caseload who have recently released from incarceration. The provision of sex offense specific assessment and treatment has been demonstrated to reduce clients’ risk of re-offense upon release to the community. The incumbent will conduct risk assessments to determine treatment targets, facilitate group and individual therapy following an evidence-based cognitive behavioral model to address treatment needs, and prepare all program required documentation. In addition, the incumbent will work collaboratively with our internal and external criminal justice partners to ensure clients are held accountable and remain safe in the community.

May occasionally be required to adjust working hours; travel during all seasons is required. Performs duties in close proximity with clients and groups of clients that have a history of violent and sexually violent offenses who may also be aggressive toward staff. Will need to walk outside on all surfaces and in all weather conditions. This position requires long periods of sitting and typing. Works around armed DOC staff and law enforcement. Works in DOC field offices and in prisons.

To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your online application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts

Application assessment will be ongoing, and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

 

"This recruitment could be used to fill multiple vacant positions." 

Duties

 As a Correction Specialist 4, some of your duties will include:
 

Assess client treatment needs and risk in order to provide evidence-based sex offense treatment to adult men and women in both group and individual settings. Facilitate behavioral change in clients, present client information to committees related to client planning, risk management issues and transition. Complete documentation to include agency approved risk assessment, initial treatment plans, group and individual progress notes and a comprehensive treatment summary for external distribution. Additionally, some clients may require treatment summary addendums and/or additional documentation. Meet with client support persons and outside stakeholders to educate and answer questions.

• Conduct group and individual therapy following the approved program guidelines.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely and complete manner.
• Complete all required risk assessments (currently Stable-2007 and Acute-2007).
• Make contact with and response promptly in communications with client support persons and stakeholders.

Participate in required team meets, unit meetings, trainings, and clinical and administrative supervision. Collaborate with Community Corrections Officers and Supervisors to address risk and assist in developing protective factors for clients. Work with Mental Health providers, community members, and external stakeholders regarding sex offense specific risk and transition.

• Attend and participate in meetings as required.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Travel to Quarterly Community SOTAP team meetings.
• Share and educate stakeholders regarding releasing clients and their specific criminogenic needs and dynamic risk obtaining appropriate Release of Information documentation as necessary.

Work directly with guardian and victim advocates concerning the management of those with sexually related offenses. Serve as an active member in the client transition process by identifying risk and developing supervision strategies. Provide deposition and testimony as legally required. Provide education, training, and workshops to the DOC and external agencies as necessary.

• Meet and collaborate with prison clinical and custody staff and community supervising staff regarding client transition, management, and release.
• Provide testimony when requested via subpoena.
• Provide educational opportunities for the DOC and external sources regarding sex offense specific issues related to treatment, assessment, and transition.

Facilitate Community Transition groups.

• Coordinate with prison staff for the delivery of Community Transition group for clients prior to discharge.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders to schedule participation in CT group meetings as needed.
• Complete appropriate documentation on client participation in CT group in preparation for release.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Community Program Clinical Manager.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
 
Two year of experience providing structured individual and/or group psychotherapy guided by a treatment plan to juvenile or adult populations which includes six (6) months of work experience providing structured therapy in a group setting. 
OR 
Three years of mental/behavioral health experience with a minimum of six months of providing psychotherapy in a group setting guided by a treatment plan. 
OR 
One (1) year of experience conducting structured group therapy in a sex offense specific program utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions. 
AND 
Obtain/maintain Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor credential per RCW 18.19.030 within 30 days of hire. 
Experience may be paid or unpaid. 
Additional clarification: work experience in mental health and/or therapy to “groups” is identified as, “group experience where responsibilities have included mental health treatment and/or therapy planning, mental health program implementation and/or direct delivery of mental health services. 
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 
 
A master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling.

Supplemental Information

• Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
• Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
• Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
• Our Core Values:
  1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
  2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
  3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
  4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
  5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

 Important Notes or Additional Information

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.   

**Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
 

• The mission of DOC is to improve public safety. For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.    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 position.
• Employees may work directly with or in close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days of the date of hire.  When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds. 
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

 We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:  
 
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

 What We Offer: 

 As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority.  Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.  Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
 

• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.  

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year 
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
  
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call at (509) 907-7808.
  
 For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.