Psychology Associate – WCCW

Description

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) located in Gig Harbor, Washington.
 
This position provides journey level mental health care service under both the supervision and lead of licensed psychologists, to adult incarcerated individuals (I/Is) housed at WCCW.  Supervision is provided by the Psychologist 4, to include direction and review for operational and daily assignments.


Correctional Health is a rewarding career path at DOC, in which health care professionals treat a wide array of cases for patients residing in a state correctional facility. Health Services is responsible for basic primary care for incarcerated individuals. All disciplines within all of the 12 correctional facilities work closely together to reach a common goal, providing the best, most efficient, and cost-effective health care possible. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care.

A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. 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.

Duties

Duties to include:

Clinical Interviews

• Conducts clinical interviews of incarcerated individuals and documents this information in a Mental Health Appraisal (MHA) and/or Mental Health Update (MHU) for each incarcerated individual referred on his/her caseload.
• Obtains any available historical documentation.
• Recommends treatment needs.  Treatment (both individual and group) will be documented on gender specific, individualized and culturally competent treatment plans, and will fall within the parameters of the WHP.

Treatment

• Provides individual and group treatment utilizing promising practices and evidence-based treatments.
• provides case management and/or 3 crisis sessions allotted per the Washington DOC Healthcare Plan (WHP).
• Consults with and/or transfers cases.

Coordination of Care

• Coordinates care with psychiatric provider.
• Attend and provide input in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) meetings for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload.
• Gathers information through Functional Analysis from unit staff to create and implement Individualized Behavior Management Plans (IBMPs).
• Consult with the PSYCH3 or PSYCH4 on cases.
• Administer treatment measures to track progress during intake and annual Mental Health Updates (MHU’s).

Documentation

• Documents all contacts with patients in a timely manner via Mental Health Encounter Reports (MHER’s) utilizing SOAP format.
• Utilizes the writing tool Conclusion, Rule, Assessment, Conclusion (CRAC) to formulate and justify diagnoses.
• Inputs daily Offender Management Network Information (OMNI) encounters.
• Responds to incarcerated individual kite requests.
• Documents suicide risk evaluations completed on all incarcerated individuals who have had a suicide/self-harm attempt within the past year using the Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA) (form 13-371) and Safety Plan (form 13-527).

Respond to Facility Mental Health Crisis

• Respond to Requests for Mental Health Assessment.
• Make appropriate treatment and follow-up referrals as clinically indicated or required by policy.
• Evaluates suicide risk and makes appropriate placement and risk management decisions.   He/She documents suicide risk using the Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA) and Safety Plan forms.
• Coordinate with custody staff on any changes in housing assignment.

Conducts Intake Screenings

• Complete intake screenings on incoming incarcerated individuals to the facility on assigned day each week.
• Complete Suicide Risk Assessments (SRAs) and Safety Plans on all incarcerated individuals entering the facility who report a significant self-harm/suicide attempt within the 12 months prior to their admission.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
  • Please see this link to understand the requirements for obtaining a LAAC. Agency Affiliated Counselor FAQs | Washington State Department of Health
• Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
• Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of Psychology, or Master's degree in Psychology and two years of supervision post-Master's degree experience.
• At least one year of experience working independently and effectively to provide individual and group therapies.
• Experience linking clients with resources within institutions and/or the community.
• Experience working in a collaborative fashion as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Official Washington State licensure as a Mental Health Clinician.

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:
 

• 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.
 

• 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 near 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. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• 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 from the date of hire.   When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• This position 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.
• The 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 on the first day of employment. 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:
 

• 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!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans.  For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

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 Angela Berrier at  amberrier@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509. 540.7078.  For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.