Reentry & Continuity of Care Social Worker

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Psychiatric Social Worker 3 for the Monroe Correctional Complex located in Monroe, WA.

Schedule: Mon-Fri 08:00 - 16:30. Work is to be performed onsite.
The Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (PSW3) position is funded through the 1115 Demonstration Waiver/Medicaid Transformation Project. This project directly assists those releasing from custody by facilitating their application for Medicaid and providing Reentry Targeted Case Management. The PSW3 is responsible for all elements of Reentry Targeted Case Management which often includes a comprehensive needs assessment, case management, Managed Care Organization Warm Handoff and the completed of a reentry plan.

The purpose of the Psychiatric Social Worker 3 is to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to provide medical, behavioral health and substance use disorder transition planning services. This position directly supports the departments mission to improve public safety by assessing transition needed services, providing resources, and developing Continuity of Care Plans that assist patients with significant physical and/or mental disorders in their transition back to the community.

Psychiatric Social Worker services are grounded in the Department of Corrections (DOC) agency core values of cultivating an environment of integrity, trust, respectful and inclusive interactions. Continuity of Care helps patients succeed, which reduces recidivism. This approach contributes to in prison and community safety and supports the DOC commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Respect.

Continuity of Care strives to promote/maintain the medical/mental health stability achieved while incarcerated and encourages community support to the released patients, with the goal of successful community reentry and reduction of recidivism. This position, in collaboration with the facility Health Services Reentry team, focuses on the Departments Strategic Goal of Continuity of Care Planning for Health Services Patients.

A completed Application Packet will include:

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

Application assessment will be ongoing, the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It’s the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.

• Conduct release planning for patients who have need for follow-up medical and mental health care.
  • Identify transition needs for patients and assist with identification of community resources as needed.
  • Complete Reentry Needs Assessment, healthcare related reentry facilitation, and Health Services Reentry Plan.
  • Conduct reentry groups and forums, to include violator, outpatient, and residential treatment settings.
  • Set follow-up medical and mental health services in the community.
  • Assist staff with contacting and coordinating services with other agencies including Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and DSHS Home and Community Services (HCS).
  • Coordinate care with the Managed Care Organization (MCO).
  • Attend Multidisciplinary Facility Risk Management Team (MDT/FRMT) meetings.
  • Participate in case conferences with the primary therapist, psychiatric provider, primary care provider and/or pharmacy as needed in preparation for release.
  • Provide education about Narcan administration.
  • Facilitate Durable Medical Equipment (DME) necessary for immediate support at release.
  • Document all contacts with patients per policy.
  • Responds to kites and other correspondence.
  • Input OMNI encounters.
• Facilitate Affordable Care Act (ACA), Transitions Outreach ABD Program. (TOAP) /Expedited Medical Eligibility (EME), and/or Reentry Community Services Program (RCS-P) services prior to release.
  • Offer assistance in completion of all documentation needed for the ACA application process.
  • Complete the EME application for identified incarcerated individuals (both residential and outpatient), request Behavioral Health Discharge Summary from Psychologist 4 or assigned primary therapist and follow TOAP procedures.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings as appropriate and assist as needed for RCS cases.
  • Understand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process and communicate resource information.
  • Coordinate with DSHS Home and Community Services.
  • Participate in networking and information sharing with various community stakeholders
• Other transition and continuity of care duties as assigned.
  • Support medical and mental health staff by coordinating medical surrogacy/legal guardianship when needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain status as a Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC) through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) or possess a current, valid WA Social Work (SW) license through the DOH. In addition, SW licensure must be maintained in good standing at all times to perform SW duties.
  • To see criteria to meet eligibility to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor License, please see this link to the Dept. of Health (DOH) web page regarding Mental Health Licensure:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed Social Worker (independent or associate) in good standing at all times,
  -OR- Master of Social Work, from a program whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the ability to obtain/maintain status as a LAAC,
  -OR- Bachelor of Social Work, with a Master's in a closely related field, and the ability to obtain/maintain status as a LAAC.
• 3 to 4 years of post-graduate experience providing professional case management services, discharge/release planning and/or professional counseling services (i.e. individual/group, crisis intervention, psychoeducational) to adults with severe and persistent mental illness, criminal/violent behavior and/or chemical dependency issues.
• Current, valid Washington State Driver’s License.

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 :

• 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.

Important Notes:

• 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.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit .
• 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 ofhire. 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 and 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.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made.

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!
• PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, visit the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.
• PSERS: Many positions within DOC are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a PERS-eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they will retire under two different systems/plans. Contact DRS for more information.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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