Psychology Associate - WCC

State of Washington • Shelton, WA

39d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) located in Shelton, Washington. This is a full time, permanent position with a day shift schedule.   The Psychology Associate functions as a Primary Therapist at the facility within the assigned area of responsibility, providing assessment, diagnostic, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with a mental health condition. A completed application packet will include: A detailed resume A cover letter Three professional references Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.Provide psychological treatment and documents interactions in a timely manner

Requirements

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
• Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date
• Note: 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in psychology and two years of supervised, post Master's degree experience or Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of Psychology.
• 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 team.
• Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington State Department of Health; active with no conditions

Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical interviews of incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload
• Document this information in a Mental Health Appraisal (MHA) and/or Mental Health Update (MHU)
• Complete the minimum team standard each week
• Obtain any available historical documentation
• Recommend treatment needs for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload and make appropriate treatment referrals
• Provide individual and group treatment utilizing promising practices and evidence based treatments for assigned outpatient caseload and for positions with a primary focus on transient clinical populations.
• Provide case management and/or 3 crisis sessions
• Consult with and/or transfer cases (as needed/directed), to the Psychologist 4
• Coordinate care with psychiatric provider and participate in telepsychiatry as needed/assigned
• Attend and provide input in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT)meetings for incarcerated individuals on his/her caseload
• Gather information through Functional Analysis from unit staff to create and implement Individualized Behavior Management Plans (IBMPs)
• Write, update and modify IBMPs
• Consult with the Psychologist 3 or Psychologist 4 on cases, for purposes of planning, coordinating, and monitoring evaluation of unit psychological services
• Complete intake screenings on incoming incarcerated individuals
• 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
• Respond to Requests for Mental Health Assessment (form 13-420) as triaged by the supervisor and lead
• 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 Residential Treatment Unit (RTU) level care
• Evaluate suicide risk and make appropriate placement and risk management decisions.
• Document suicide risk using the Suicide Risk Assessment(SRA) and Safety Plan forms and include 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
• Review high risk decisions with the supervising Psychologist 4 and coordinate with custody staff on any changes in housing assignment
• Attend MH and Health Services staff meetings (on-site and off-site), read/critique assigned materials
• Support and suggest innovative ideas and strategies
• Foster teamwork
• Practice fiscal responsibility
• Promote safety, be alert, be aware
• Write infractions as appropriate
• Attend all required training
• Other duties as assigned (i.e., weekly ITJS screenings, teaching AIS, etc.)
• Take one week of assigned MHDO call per assigned rotation
• Follow MHDO policies and procedures

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees