Psychology Associate - MCC

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) located just northeast of the Seattle area in Washington.

This position functions as a Primary Therapist at a facility within the assigned area of responsibility providing diagnostic assessment, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with a mental health condition. The Psychology Associate position is an integral part of the Health Services team at MCC and functions to provide high quality, evidence-based care for incarcerated individuals meeting criteria for mental health treatment under the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) Health Plan. The mental health team at MCC functions in collaboration with other health care professionals to achieve the agency’s mission of creating safer communities. Mental health treatment primarily contributes to this mission by increasing self-regulation skills and supporting prosocial autonomous functioning among the incarcerated population. Clinical supervision and oversight is provided by a licensed Psychologist.

Schedule

Mon-Fri 07:00-15:30. Work is to be performed onsite.

Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals

• Work independently and cooperatively within the mental health team to provide mental health assessments and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan, protocols, and processes and procedures.
• Intake of incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services, including those who are received on transport. This includes: documentation of problem; background and treatment plan; obtaining Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment; obtaining collateral information from within and outside DOC; referral to additional mental health services (e.g., Psychiatric); and follow-up as deemed appropriate.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity and emotional adjustment as well as treatment need of incarcerated individuals (including but not limited to the completion of MHA/ MHU's. Tx plans, SRA/SRD, Safety Plans, Individual Behavior Modification Plans, etc.).
• Provide direct Psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services to incarcerated individuals based upon Evidenced Based Practices and Principle’s per the Washington DOC Health Plan
• Provide consultation to unit and custody staff with regard to treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning and handling specific behavior disturbances. Consults and staff’s cases with the supervisors.
• Follow documentation expectations per policy and standards of care.

Crisis Intervention

• Be available for communication between DOC staff and/or patients regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations.
• Provide assessment of the crisis.
• Plan and execute interventions including follow-up after resolution to assure stability is established. Includes communication with DOC staff involved with the patient, who have a "need to know".

Administrative Supervision

• Meet with the employee(s) supervised upon appointment to the position and during the review period to review the position description, set expectations, and evaluate performance.
• Meet with employee(s) monthly to clarify expectations, address and document performance, provide constructive feedback, and to assist with performance improvement and development when needed.
• Maintain attendance records, complete overtime and leave slip approvals, and approve timecard; communicating with supervisors regarding absences.
• Maintain a supervisory file on each employee supervised. Materials contained in the file included but are not limited to Performance Development Plans (PDP), position descriptions, supervisory conferences, and other performance based documents.
• Make every effort to resolve supervisees' concerns and performance matters promptly by identifying the problem and creating an action plan to address it.

Transition and Release

• In conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker 3, coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed incarcerated individuals.

Trainings, meetings, and other duties as assigned.

• Participate in staff meetings for communication and coordination of mental health services. This includes peer review/quality assurance and Coordinated Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) projects.
• Receive training as approved/required by DOC, to include but not limited to annual training to staff such as Suicide Prevention and LMS.
• Participates in MDT's, Mental Health Duty Officer, and may provide annual in-service Suicide Prevention instruction.
• Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to the promotion of mental health within the prison and in the community.
• Participates in involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings on a rotational basis as the chair, lay advisor, or referring mental health provider.

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
  • Please see this link to understand the requirements for obtaining a LAAC. Agency Affiliated Counselor FAQs | Washington State Department of Health
• Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
  • *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.
• Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of Psychology, or Master's degree in Psychology and two years of supervised post-Master's degree experience.
• At least one year of experience working independently and effectively to 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 treatment team.
• Official Washington State licensure as a Mental Health Clinician.

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 disqualify 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.
• 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:

• 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
• 3 days of Bereavement Leave
• 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 or 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.