What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sex Offender Treatment Specialist position at State of Washington Dept. of Corrections?
Description
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated individual with a hands-on approach to helping others. If this sounds like you, consider putting your skills to use and joining the DOC team as the Sex Offender Treatment Specialist for the Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment Programs (SOTAP) within the Health Services Division. Approximately 20 percent of the incarcerated individuals in Washington Correctional Facilities and 18 percent of individuals on community supervision are serving time for sexual crimes, making their management and treatment a major concern for the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the community. DOC and its partners have a comprehensive system consisting of confinement, treatment, supervision, notification, and civil commitment whose goal is public safety.
The Sex Offender Treatment Specialist is responsible for developing and completing initial treatment plans, maintaining progress notes, and providing final treatment summaries. The Sex Offender Treatment Specialist position works collaboratively with staff in the Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment Programs (SOTAP), as well as designated staff in the Department of Corrections, Community Custody Board (CCB), Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB), End of Sentence Review (EOSR), community stakeholders to include visitors and incarcerated individuals, in an effort to promote community safety and the incarcerated individual's re-entry and transition to the community.
A completed application packet will include:
- A detailed resume
- A cover letter
- Three professional references
Application assessment will be ongoing, the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It’s the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
Duties
- Treats an assigned caseload of adult sex offenders. Facilitates group and individual therapy sessions for 12-15 assigned group members. Completes documentation to include agency approved assessment (at intake and discharge), Institutional Treatment plans, progress notes and a comprehensive Transition Summary for external distribution. Additionally, some clients may require treatment summary addendums and/or additional documentation. Ensures clients have notified and invited appropriate support persons to the Family Support Seminar event. Meets with client support persons to educate and answer questions.
- Assesses and completes documentation on an assigned caseload of adult male sex offenders. Completes the intake using the agency approved risk/needs assessment and completes an Institutional Treatment Plan for each client. Facilitates behavioral change in clients, conducts specialty groups, and liaises with Risk Management Staff to assist transition of sex offenders. Presents caseload information to committees related to client planning, risk management issues, and transition.
- Participates in staff meetings and supervision. Staff training weekly; weekly supervision (group and/or individual) with assigned Sex Offender Treatment Supervisor and/or the Sex Offender Treatment Program Manager; collaborates with mental health providers, custody, living unit, and stakeholders regarding dynamic risk and the management of assigned sex offender clients. Other trainings/meetings as scheduled.
- Works with appropriate stakeholders regarding the management of sex offender clients. Works directly with guardians, victim advocates regarding the management of sex offenders. Serves as an active member of the transition process identifying incarcerated individual risk, development of management techniques and strategies. Delivers testimony as required to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Provides dispositions and testimony as legally required. Provides training and workshops to external agencies as directed.
- Performs other duties as assigned by Sex Offender Treatment Supervisors, Program Manager, or Program Director.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
-
Obtain/maintain Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor credential per RCW 18.19.030 within 30 days of hire.
-AND- -
One year of experience providing structured individual and/or group psychotherapy guided by a treatment plan to
juvenile or adult populations.
-OR- -
Three years of mental/behavioral health experience with a minimum of six months of providing psychotherapy in a
group setting guided by a treatment plan.
-OR- -
Six months experience conducting structured group therapy in a sex offense specific program utilizing cognitive
behavioral interventions.
- Preferred candidates will have at least one year experience conducting process oriented mental health or sex offense treatment groups, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling, psychology or social work from an accredited college or university and six months experience (paid or unpaid) in providing group treatment.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
- 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.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email zenon.mateyka@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.