Substance Use Disorder Professional

Description

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking multiple highly motivated and qualified individual for a Program Specialist 4 - Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professional for the Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) at the Monroe Correctional Complex located just northeast of the Seattle area in Washington.
 
The Department of Corrections (DOC) Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is one of the largest certified treatment agencies in the State of Washington, with services in facilities located within prisons and work release facilities. Drug offenses and property crimes are the most common felony crime types committed by individuals currently under the jurisdiction of the DOC who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders that remain untreated lead to the continuous cycle of homelessness and poverty, as well as a heightened need for mental health treatment, emergency room visits, and in many cases, the eventual return to prison.
 
The Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is responsible for the implementation of evidence-based practices and the operational support to facilitate criminal justice involved individuals’ participation in promising practices/programs designed to decrease recidivism, which increases staff, criminal justice involved individuals, and public safety.

Working for the Department of Corrections, in collaboration with its criminal justice partners, this position will contribute to staff and community safety and provide substance use disorder assessments and treatment and coordinative services that addresses the incarcerated individuals risk and health needs across the continuum of care in the least restrictive setting needed to ensure protection of staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.

This position will use clinical expertise applying the DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment tool, the ASAM Criteria Manual, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), to diagnose and treat individuals sentenced to confinement in Washington State. This position exists to support the vision of the DOC and SARU by assessing and identifying substance abuse treatment needs during assessment and treatment services that allows for placement decisions and strategic long-range planning activities to include: classification, custody level, and programming prioritization for the statewide Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU). Substance Abuse Disorder assessments and treatment are based on nationally recognized assessment and treatment criteria. This position requires, by state law (WAC 246-341-0610 (1)(b)), specialized training, DOH licensing, and the application of the DOC 14-040 tool as well as all treatment file forms and curriculum to diagnose individuals and treat their substance use disorder.

This is an expert level position within the SARU treatment program which advises the SARU Program Administrator, Assessment and Treatment Services Managers regarding substance use disorder assessment and treatment.  Assessment and treatment outcomes may be utilized by executive level representatives from all divisions within the Department of Corrections. The Substance Use Disorder Specialist functions under limited supervision and routinely makes independent judgement/interpretation to score a complex and multi-dimensional assessment and treatment applications.

A completed application packet will include:

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

Duties

Independently complete substance use disorder (SUD) pre-screens, opioid use questionnaires, and assessments

• Ensure all incarcerated individuals complete a Substance Use Disorder Pre-Screen and Opioid Use Questionnaire and submit these forms.
• Apply ASAM Criteria for continued stay reviews, Individual Service Plan Reviews, discharge planning, and all other aspects of clinical and notation duties.
• Submit callouts when needed. Researches, analyzes, and references collateral sources of information to capture a holistic picture of an individual’s SUD potential and risks. Identify and brainstorm solutions.
• Reference and apply Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.
• Save, scan, and email completed documents to Central Records and enter Chronos. Maintain compliance with 42 CFR Part 2.
• Ensure an assessment is completed and coordinate release services in the community. 
• Communicate and collaborate with DOC stakeholders and serve as a subject metter expert.

Provide evidence-based substance use disorder treatment services to incarcerated individuals.

• Provides SUD treatment service delivery on or off-site.
• Utilize the treatment triage and SharePoint to admit incarcerated individuals into treatment. 
• Provide Substance Use Disorder Services.
• Facilitate education and process groups, maintain a caseload, provide individual counseling sessions, create individual services plans, document individual service plan reviews, conduct clinical staffing, perform case management tasks, complete discharge summaries, complete progress notes, and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings. Learn and role model the tenets of a residential treatment program and Therapeutic Community. Accurately, reliably, and consistently complete SUD assessments and provide evidence-based treatment services. Report and document outcomes.
• Communicate and collaborate with DOC stakeholders.
• Ensure chronological notes are entered and all work is conducted.

Conduct and deliver clinical services.

• Assist substance use disorder treatment staff and SARU in all areas of provided services that are conducted under SARU.
• Conduct pre-screens and full SUD assessments.
• Admit incarcerated individuals into their appropriate level of care.
• Deliver SUD treatment services, including psycho-educational groups, process groups, individual sessions, individual service plans, individual service plan reviews, clinical staffing, therapeutic interventions, multi-disciplinary meetings, and discharge summaries.
• Enter data and information and conduct appropriate file management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable WACs, DOC policy, ASAM, and 42 CFR Part 2.

Other duties as assigned following directives from the supervisor and SARU.

• Follow through with directives.
• Ensure compliance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in Washington State).
• Ability to work independently and within a team, while exercising good judgement and promoting positive working relationships with incarcerated individuals, staff, and stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree with a Social Service or Criminal Justice focus from an accredited college whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or a foreign Equivalent.
• Experience and understanding of evidence-based treatment delivery practices.
• Professional experience using OMNI/SharePoint or other incarcerated individual tracking systems.
• Experience within DOC environment. 

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!

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 zenon.mateyka@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509.290.7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1.800.833.6388.