Program Specialist 4 (L376) -WSP/ SARU

Description

The Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is responsible for the implementation of evidence-based practices and the operational support to facilitate individual participation in promising practices/programs designed to decrease recidivism, which increases staff, incarcerated individual and public safety.

The Department of Corrections, in collaboration with its criminal justice partners, will contribute to staff and community safety and hold incarcerated individuals accountable by conducting appropriate substance use disorder assessments and treatment to assess the risks and needs of the population and by providing services to address the risks and needs across the continuum in the least restrictive setting needed to ensure protection of staff, incarcerated individuals and public.

This position will work in the capacity as a licensed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Counselor, providing assessments (using DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment), Level 3.3 Substance Use Disorder Treatment services in accordance with the ASAM Criteria Manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and the Washington State Administrative Code (WAC's). Substance Use Disorder assessments and treatment are based on nationally recognized assessment and treatment criteria. This position requires, by state law (WAC 246-341-0610 (1) (b)), specialized training, DOH certification, and client case management to include maintaining treatment records iaw WAC's and Federal Confidentiality laws 42 CFR Part 2. This is an expert level position within the SARU treatment program which advises the SARU Program Administrator, SARU Correctional Program Manager, and SARU Corrections Specialist 3, and executive leadership within the Department of corrections regarding substance use disorder assessment and treatment. Assessment and treatment outcomes may be utilized by executive level representatives from all divisions within the Department of Corrections. The TC Specialist functions under limited supervision and routinely makes independent judgement/interpretations working in multi-dimensional assessment and treatment dynamics. In addition, this position responds to both external and internal stakeholders on behalf of the SARU regarding treatment progress and compliance.

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding you interests and outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references.

Duties

On behalf of the statewide Substance Use Disorder Unit (SARU), Provides Level 3.3 Evidenced Based Substance Use Disorder Therapeutic Community (TC) Treatment Program to incarcerated individuals according to Washington Administrative Code (WAC), DOC policy, and ASAM Criteria.

Provides off-site treatment delivery as assigned for the SARU.

The TC Specialist may be called upon to provide treatment services in a variety of SUD treatment modalities to include Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Level 2.5 Intensive Day Treatment (IDT).

independently conducts Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) substance use disorder assessments utilizing DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment.

• Tasks may range from facilitating education and process groups, case management, individual counseling, treatment plan development and maintenance, evaluate treatment effectiveness and client outcomes (writing discharge summaries), expert level record keeping and documentation, participate in multidisciplinary teams, present and participate in clinical staffing, and maintain a caseload.
• Tasks also may include identifying incarcerated individuals self-destructive behaviors, holding incarcerated individuals accountable for self-destructive behavior, understanding and role modeling TC concepts and components, understanding and using the steps of interaction/clinical interventions, facilitating phase up interviews, facilitating awareness interviews (AI), facilitating relating table discussion, facilitating peer accountability groups (PAGs), co-facilitating TC General Meetings (GM), assist in managing and maintaining community documentation, understanding and practicing positive role model behavior and demonstrating effective communication.
• The TC specialist utilizes critical thinking and subject matter expertise to accurately, reliably, and consistently provide evidenced based Treatment services.

Utilizes treatment triage procedures according to SARU and DOC policy to admit incarcerated individuals into treatment.

Prioritize and coordinate substance abuse pre-screening and assessment services in a manner that maximizes DOC resources.

Reports and documents outcomes in the secured access OMNI Program Screen.

Communicates and collaborates with DOC stakeholders (Mental Health, Classification, SOTAP, Education etc.)

• Information is examined and a multi-dimensional/complex scoring instrument is used which requires expert level interpretation to assess risk for re-offense. The TC Specialist must utilize critical thinking while maintaining fidelity using ASAM Criteria for continued stay reviews, Individual service plan reviews and discharge planning and writing.
• Ensure chronological notes are entered according to established CFR 42 Part 2 and Policy 580.000 criteria.
• Updates clinical notes utilizing clear and concise skills per WAC 246-341-640.
• The TC Specialist also serves as a statewide substance abuse treatment program expert in the use of the DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment. Upon completion of the DOC 14-040, the TC Specialist enters the assessment results in OMNI and maintains documentation of the scoring decisions and rationale.

Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently and within a team while exercising good judgment and promoting positive working relationships with incarcerated individuals, staff, and stakeholders.
• Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional and/or a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Certification (initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in Washington State).

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
• Associate degree with a Social Service or Criminal Justice focus from an accredited college whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
• Professional experience and understanding of evidenced-based treatment delivery practices. Professional experience using OMNI, SharePoint, OnBase, and other DOC tracking systems.
• Professional Experience and understanding of evidenced-based treatment delivery practices.
• Experience with Corrections environment.

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:
  • 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 or Additional Information

• 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.

• 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.
• (FOR RN POSITIONS) 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-U. Step U is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step T in your permanent salary range.
• (FOR ALL OTHER NON WMS POSITIONS) 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.
• 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. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• 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.

• 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 kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call at (509) 907-7808. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.