Psychology Associate – WCC

Description

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) located in Shelton, Washington. This is a full time, non-permanent position 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.

Duties

Provide psychological treatment and documents interactions in a timely manner

• Conduct clinical interviews of incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload
• Document this information in a Mental Health Appraisal (MHA) and/or Mental Health Update (MHU)
• Complete the minimum team standard each week
• Obtain any available historical documentation
• Recommend treatment needs for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload and make appropriate treatment referrals
• All 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.

• Provide individual and group treatment utilizing promising practices and evidence based treatments for assigned outpatient caseload and for positions with a primary focus on transient clinical populations.  Treatment will constitute solution focused interventions and crisis intervention.
• Provide case management and/or 3 crisis sessions
• Consult with and/or transfer cases (as needed/directed), to the Psychologist 4

• Coordinate care with psychiatric provider and participate in telepsychiatry as needed/assigned
• Attend and provide input in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT)meetings for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload
• Gather information through Functional Analysis from unit staff to create and implement Individualized Behavior Management Plans (IBMPs)
• Write, update and modify IBMPs
• Consult with the Psychologist 3 or Psychologist 4 on cases, for purposes of planning, coordinating, and monitoring evaluation of unit psychological services

Conduct intake screenings:

• Complete intake screenings on incoming incarcerated individuals
• 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

Crisis Intervention:

• Respond to Requests for Mental Health Assessment (form 13-420) as triaged by the supervisor and lead
• Make appropriate treatment and follow-up referrals as clinically indicated or required by policy, which may include referrals to primary therapists, psychiatric providers, the Close Observation Area (COA) or Residential Treatment Unit (RTU) level care
• Evaluate suicide risk and make appropriate placement and risk management decisions. Document suicide risk using the Suicide Risk Assessment(SRA) and Safety Plan forms and include in the written assessment documentation of the correctional risk factors assessed (included dynamic, static, acute and protective), housing and placement considerations, and relevant risk management planning
• Review high risk decisions with the supervising Psychologist 4 and coordinate with custody staff on any changes in housing assignment

Be a contributing and supportive team member:

• Attend MH and Health Services staff meetings (on-site and off-site), read/critique assigned materials
• Support and suggest innovative ideas and strategies
• Foster teamwork
• Practice fiscal responsibility
• Promote safety, be alert, be aware
• Write infractions as appropriate
• Attend all required training
• Other duties as assigned (i.e., weekly ITJS screenings, teaching AIS, etc.)

Take Mental Health Duty Officer (MHDO) calls as assigned:

• Take one week of assigned MHDO call per assigned rotation
• Follow MHDO policies and procedures

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
• 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

*Note: An 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:

• Master’s degree in psychology and two years of supervised, 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 develop and 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 team.
• Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington State Department of Health; active with no conditions

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.

• 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. 
• 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.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• 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.
• 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.

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 nicholas.epps@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.