Psychiatric Social Worker 3

Description

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

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 detailed resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references

Duties

• 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.
  • Conduct reentry groups and forums, to include violator, outpatient, and residential treatment settings.
  • Set follow-up medical and mental health services in the community.
  • Attend MD/FRMT meetings for those patients that meet the criteria for release planning.
  • Case conferences with the primary therapist, psychiatric provider, primary care provider and/or pharmacy as needed in preparation for release.
  • Inputs daily OMNI encounters.
  • Documents all contacts with patients in a timely manner.
  • Responds to kites and other correspondence.
• Facilitate and/or screen for Affordable Care Act (ACA), Expedited Medical Eligibility (EME), Transitional Offender Assistance Program (TOAP), and/or Offender Re-entry Community Safety (ORCS) services prior to release.
  
  • Meet with patients prior to their release, to offer assistance in completion of all documentation needed for the ACA application process.
  • Complete the EME and/or TOAP applications for identified patients (both residential and outpatient), request Behavioral Health Discharge Summary from Psychologist 4, and submit DSHS application.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings as appropriate and assist as needed for the ORCS cases.
  • Understand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process and communicate resource information. Confirm patients as SSI recipients.
  • Interact with Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Home and Community Services including setting up on-site DSHS visits when applicable.
  • Participate in networking and information sharing with various community stakeholders.
• Be a contributing and supportive team member and provide back-up assistance as needed across the Monroe Correctional Complex.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  • Support medical and mental health staff by helping to coordinate medical surrogacy or guardian ad litem when needed.

Qualifications

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: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/agency-affiliated-counselor/frequently-asked-questions

• 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 masters 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.

Supplemental Information

Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application:

• The Department of Corrections defines a professional reference 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.
• Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• 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
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!
• Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

• The mission of DOC is to improve public safety. For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.
• 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 in close proximity to 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.
• 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 of the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.