Psychology Associate

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.

The Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) is a 62.6-acre facility located approximately two miles from Gig Harbor. The site includes living units, administration buildings, a health clinic, education buildings, a gymnasium, a chapel, industries buildings, food service buildings and support facilities.
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.

The Psychology Associate position supports the agency’s mission of, “Improving public safety by positively changing lives,” by delivering mental health services that promotes overall mental health, increased social adaptive functioning and improving interpersonal functioning to adult incarcerated individuals.

• The mission of the Department of Corrections is to 'improve public safety by positively changing lives. For additional information visit our website at doc.wa.gov

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.

"This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions"   Mental Health Treatment:

• Maintain a current Mental Health Appraisal, updated minimally annually, and ensure completion of this includes a thorough history taking mental status examination, problem(s) identification, and diagnostic or case formulation.
• Provide individual and group therapy or psychoeducational groups consistent with the WA DOC Health Plan.
• Develop appropriate interventions based on incarcerated individuals symptoms and needs, utilizing evidence-based techniques and approaches.
• Develop treatment plans with identifiable and measurable goals based on evidence-based models and updates treatment plan yearly.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff as necessary and appropriate within the confines of confidentiality.
• May include diagnostic testing and assessment activities and duties, or referral of the services when appropriate.

Mental Health Screenings:

• Conduct mental health screenings on incarcerated individuals who have newly arrived to the facility. This may either be through triage activities or individual callouts as determined by the flow of inmates into the institution.
• Respond to mental health emergencies as indicated throughout the institution.
• Provide appropriate follow-up and/or referral to other staff as needed. Document current mental health status.
• Alert custody and other staff to urgent concerns regarding inmate safety and vulnerability.
• Conduct segregation screenings/mental status exams as required.

Staff Meetings, Training and Duty Officer:

• Attend and participate in weekly mental health staff meetings and treatment team/case consultation meetings to assure communication and coordination of mental health services. Present cases for peer consultation and to share achievements/best practices with peers.
• Attend and participate in regular supervision as designated by the Psychologist 4.
• Participate in training as approved/required by the department.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meeting(s) as directed.
• Participate in departmental committees or work groups as approved by supervisor.
• Participate in the Mental Health Duty Officer (MHDO) rotation being the Mental Health point of contact during non-regular hours as well as regular working hours during the time as designated as the MHDO.
• Remain current and up to date on job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; attending courses and seminars, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations.

Documentation and paperwork:

• Document all clinically significant mental health encounters (i.e.; MHER’s, chart notes).
• Write and update MHA’s and treatment plans according to policy or as directed.
• Write reports and summaries as required by medical and non-medical staff; including responding to 13-420’s, Incident Reports and Infractions as appropriate.

 Required Qualifications:

• Maintain a License Agency Affiliated Counselor license (LAAC)
• Requiring a master’s degree in counseling or social services and two years of experience treating people with a mental health disorder under the supervision of a mental health professional.
• Maintain and adhere to the continuing education and licensing/registration requirements for the applicable licenses above through the Department of Health (DOH)

 **A licensed agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services as part of his or her employment for a recognized agency. Applicants for an agency affiliated counselor credential who apply within 7 days of employment may provide services within the agency for up to 60 days while the Department of Health processes your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.

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.

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