Psychology Associate - WCCW HS

Description

We work with all DOC staff for safer communities, to improve public safety by providing medically necessary and individualized care that promotes wellness. We meet the basic needs of incarcerated individuals by providing healthcare which aims to increase incarcerated individual safety and decrease recidivism, thereby promoting positive change in incarcerated individuals.

This position provides journey level mental health care service under both the supervision and lead of licensed psychologists, to adult incarcerated individuals (I/Is) housed at WCCW.

Duties

Provides psychological treatment and documents in a timely manner.

Clinical Interviews:

• The PSYCH ASSOC conducts clinical interviews of incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload for the purpose of obtaining background information, determining provisional diagnoses, and evaluating treatment needs. The PSYCH ASSOC documents this information in a Mental Health Appraisal (MHA) and/or Mental Health Update (MHU) for each incarcerated individual referred on his/her caseload and completes the minimum team standard each week.
• The PSYCH ASSOC obtains any available historical documentation regarding past psychological or psychiatric treatment.
• The PSYCH ASSOC recommends treatment needs for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload and makes appropriate treatment referrals (i.e., psychological assessment, medication evaluation, individual treatment, group treatment) as clinically indicated through the use of a formal treatment plan. All treatment (both individual and group) will be documented on gender specific, individualized and culturally competent treatment plans, and will fall within the parameters of the WHP.

• The PSYCH ASSOC provides individual and group treatment utilizing promising practices and evidence-based treatments for assigned outpatient caseload. Group treatment will be provided in accordance with the minimum team standard.
• The PSYCH ASSOC provides case management and/or 3 crisis sessions allotted per the Washington DOC Healthcare Plan (WHP) to outpatient caseload as needed.
• When cases become complex, involve litigation, or require additional expertise, the PSYCH ASSOC consults with and/or transfers cases (as needed/directed), to the psychologist 4.

• The PSYCH ASSOC coordinates care with psychiatric provider and participates in telepsychiatry as needed/assigned.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will attend and provide input in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) meetings for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload according to policy or as requested by custody staff or the incarcerated individual.
• The PSYCH ASSOC gathers information through Functional Analysis from unit staff to create and implement Individualized Behavior Management Plans (IBMPs) as needed for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload. He/She writes, updates and modifies IBMPs as clinically indicated.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will consult with the PSYCH3 or PSYCH4 on cases, for purposes of planning, coordinating, and monitoring evaluation of unit psychological services.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will administer treatment measures to track progress during intake and annual Mental Health Updates (MHU’s). Contributes this information to PSYCH3 and PSYCH 4’s in collaboration with outcome measure research.

• The PSYCH ASSOC documents all contacts with patients in a timely manner via Mental Health Encounter Reports (MHER’s) utilizing SOAP format. Notes will include diagnostic impressions, treatment referrals and coordination of care.
• The PSYCH ASSOC utilizes the writing tool Conclusion, Rule, Assessment, Conclusion (CRAC) to formulate and justify diagnoses in all Mental Health Appraisal’s (DOC form 13-376), Mental Health Updates (DOC form 13-600), Offender Community Reentry Safety (ORCS) program reports, and cases submitted electronically to the Care Review Committee (CRC).
• The PSYCH ASSOC inputs daily Offender Management Network Information (OMNI) encounters (electronic) on all incarcerated individuals seen that day and uploads appropriate documents to SharePoint.
• The PSYCH ASSOC completes consult requests for incarcerated individuals prior to beginning treatment (group and individual). He/she will also present cases to the Mental Health Care Review Committee (CRC) as required in the WHP.
• The PSYCH ASSOC responds to incarcerated individual kite requests in a timely manner.
• The PSYCH ASSOC documents suicide risk evaluations completed on all incarcerated individuals who have had a suicide/self-harm attempt within the past year using the Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA) (form 13-371) and Safety Plan (form 13-527) and includes in the written assessment documentation of the correctional risk factors assessed (included dynamic, static, acute and protective), housing and placement considerations, and relevant risk management planning.

Responds to facility mental health crisis:

• The PSYCH ASSOC will respond to Requests for Mental Health Assessment (form 13-420) as triaged by the supervisor and lead.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will make appropriate treatment and follow-up referrals as clinically indicated or required by policy, which may include referrals to primary therapists, psychiatric providers, the Close Observation Area (COA) or the Treatment Evaluation Center (TEC).
• The PSYCH ASSOC evaluates suicide risk and makes appropriate placement and risk management decisions. He/She documents suicide risk using the Suicide Risk Assessment (SRA) and Safety Plan forms and includes in the written assessment documentation of the correctional risk factors assessed (included dynamic, static, acute and protective), housing and placement considerations, and relevant risk management planning.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will coordinate with custody staff on any changes in housing assignment.

Conducts intake screenings

• The PSYCH ASSOC will complete intake screenings on incoming incarcerated individuals to the facility on assigned day each week in accordance with policy.
• The PSYCH ASSOC will complete Suicide Risk Assessments (SRAs) and Safety Plans on all incarcerated individuals entering the facility who report a significant self-harm/suicide attempt within the 12 months prior to their admission.

Take Mental Health Duty Officer (MHDO) call as assigned

• Take one week of assigned MHDO call per assigned rotation
• Follow MHDO policies and procedures.
• Attend MH and Health Services staff meetings (on-site and off-site), read/critique assigned materials.
• Suggest and support innovative ideas and strategies.
• Foster teamwork.
• Practice fiscal responsibility.
• Promote safety; be alert, be aware.
• Write infractions as indicated.
• Attend all required training.
• Other duties as assigned (i.e., weekly ITJS screenings, teaching AIS, etc.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
• Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
• Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.

All staff entering into employment with the Department of Corrections must possess the following values at the time of hire:

• 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.

• 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 develop and 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.

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!

• 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 fromwww.wes.organdwww.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.
• 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 visitwww.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.