Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (PSW3) - WCC

Salary : $97,548.00 - $131,256.00 Annually
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: HS-WCC-2026-03168
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: HS - WCC
Opening Date: 05/24/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the critical role of Psychiatric Social Worker 3 (PSW3) for the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) located in Shelton, WA. This is a full-time day shift position with Sat/Sun off.


This position works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to provide medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder transition planning services. The position addresses transition needs of incarcerated individuals preparing for release, coordinates and advocates for needed services, provides resources, and develops Continuity of Care Plans that assist patients with significant physical and/or mental disorders in their transition back to the community.


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

Conduct release planning for incarcerated individuals who have healthcare follow up needs:

• Identify transition needs for incarcerated individuals 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 as assigned/appropriate based on setting
• Set follow-up medical and mental health services in the community.
• Contact and coordinate 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, Reentry/Discharge Nurse 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 .
• Respond to kites and other correspondence.
• Input OMNI encounters.
• Cross coverage for other PSW locations as needed based on caseloads.

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 and follow TOAP procedures.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings 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.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain status as an Agency Affiliated Counselor** through the Washington State Department of Health or possess a current, valid WA Social Work license. In addition, SW licensure/credential must be maintained in good standing at all times in order to perform their SW duties. Each SW is responsible for adhering to the legal, educational and ethical requirements for maintaining their professional credentials.
• **Incumbent must apply for agency affiliated counselor license within 7 days of hire. 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.
• Must have a current, valid Driver's License.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and one to two years of postgraduate 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 social worker license.
• 3 to 4 years' experience providing professional case management services, discharge/release planning and or professional counseling services (i.e. individual group, crisis intervention, psychoeducational) two adults with severe and persistent mental illness criminal violent behavior and chemical dependency issues.

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 and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• 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
• 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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call 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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
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, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Do you have a Master's degree in Social Work or related field from an accredited college or University whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

• Yes
• No

02


How many years of post-graduate experience do you have 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 (SPMI), criminal/violent behavior, and/or chemical dependency issues?

• I have 0-1 years of experience.
• I have 1-2 years of experience.
• I have 3+ years of experience.
• No experience.

03


Do you have a current and valid Washington State Social Worker license?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered yes above, what is your license number?
05


Do you have an Agency Affiliated Counselor through the Washington State Department of Health?

• Yes
• I do not have this Agency Affiliated Counselor, but I am committed to applying for one within 7 days of hire.
• No

06


Do you have a current, valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07


3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

08


3100-If you were referred by a current DOC employee, please provide their first and last name below, otherwise type "N/A"
09


3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

10


3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

Required Question