Psychology Associate

Description

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) located just northeast of the Seattle area in Washington. These are full time positions with a day shift schedule.
 
The Psychology Associate functions as a Primary Therapist at the facility within the assigned area of responsibility, providing assessment, diagnostic, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with a mental health condition.

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.

Please note that this position is currently not eligible for telehealth and the selected candidate will be required to reside in Washington State and report to the facility during their work hours.

Duties

• Mental Health assessment and treatment of Incarcerated Individuals.
  • Work independently and cooperatively with the mental health team to provide mental health assessments and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan and relevant Mental Health policies, protocols, processes, and guidelines.
  • Intake of incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services. This includes documentation of problem, background and treatment plan, obtaining Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment, obtaining collateral information from within and outside DOC, referral to additional health services (e.g. Psychiatric), and follow up as deemed appropriate.
  • Evaluates, diagnoses, and determines mental health acuity and emotional adjustment as well as treatment need of incarcerated individuals (including but not limited to the completion of MHA/MHU's, Tx plans, SRA's etc.).
  • Provides direct psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services to incarcerated individuals based upon Evidenced Based Practices and Principles.
  • Provides consultation to unit and custody staff with regard to treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning and handling specific behavior disturbances. Consults and staffs cases with the supervisor.
  • Follows documentation expectations per policy and standards of care.
• Crisis Intervention.
  • Be available for communication from DOC staff and/or incarcerated individuals regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations. Provides assessment of the crisis. Plan and execute interventions including follow-up after resolution to assure stability is established. Provide information as needed for continuity of care. Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients on suicide watch. Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients in restraint beds or chairs.
• Supervision.
  • Provide administrative and clinical supervision to Correctional Mental Health Counselor staff. Monitor leave usage and timecard submission. Complete supervisory functions which include: Completion of Position Descriptions, Performance and Development Plans, and Performance and Development Plan Evaluations. Monitor and assess clinical skills based on the Clinical Practice Parameters for the CMHC. This includes routine review of clinical documentation such as MHU/A's, Treatment Plans, SRA's and Mental Health Encounter Reports. Complete Supervisory Conference Forms documenting weekly supervision.
• Staff Meetings, Training, Duty Officer and Other Duties as Assigned.
  • Participate as Mental Health Duty Officer on rotation basis and/or as assigned. Actively participate in all clinical in-service meetings and trainings as assigned. Participate in Involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings as designated and appropriate, and may provide Annual In-Service Suicide Prevention instruction as designated and appropriate. Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to the promotion of mental health within the prison and in the community.
• Transition and Release.
  • Coordinates and facilitates transition and release needs of incarcerated individuals as assigned with outside agencies and community services in conjunction with re-entry/release staff. related to the promotion of mental health within the prison and in the community.
• 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:

• Master's degree in psychology and two years of supervision post-Master's degree experience, or Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.
• 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.
• Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington State Department of Health; active with no conditions.

Supplemental Information

Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application:

• The Department of Corrections defines a professional reference 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.
• Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

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:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• 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.

Additional Information:

• 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.
• 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.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
• 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.
• 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.

Our Mission: 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess the following 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.

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 diversity, 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 509.290.7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1.800.833.6388.