Psychology Associate - MCC

State of Washington•Snohomish County – Monroe, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC). This position functions as a Primary Therapist, providing diagnostic assessment, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with mental health conditions. The Psychology Associate is an integral part of the Health Services team at MCC, delivering high-quality, evidence-based care under the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) Health Plan. The mental health team collaborates with other healthcare professionals to achieve the agency's mission of creating safer communities by increasing self-regulation skills and supporting prosocial autonomous functioning among the incarcerated population. Clinical supervision and oversight are provided by a licensed Psychologist.

Requirements

Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
Ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds.
Under rare circumstances may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards.
Must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

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 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.

Responsibilities

Provide mental health assessments and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan, protocols, and procedures.
Conduct intake assessments for incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services, including documentation, obtaining informed consent, collateral information, referral to additional services, and follow-up.
Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity, emotional adjustment, and treatment needs of incarcerated individuals, including completing MHA/MHU's, Tx plans, SRA/SRD, Safety Plans, and Individual Behavior Modification Plans.
Provide direct psychotherapeutic services (individual and group) to incarcerated individuals based on Evidenced Based Practices and Principles per the Washington DOC Health Plan.
Consult with unit and custody staff regarding treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning, and handling specific behavior disturbances.
Consult and staff cases with supervisors.
Follow documentation expectations per policy and standards of care.
Be available for communication regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations, including assessment, intervention planning, and follow-up.
Provide administrative supervision, including reviewing position descriptions, setting expectations, evaluating performance, and assisting with performance improvement and development.
Maintain attendance records, approve timecards, and communicate with supervisors regarding absences.
Maintain a supervisory file on each employee supervised, including Performance Development Plans (PDP), position descriptions, and supervisory conference notes.
Address and resolve supervisees' concerns and performance matters promptly.
Coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed incarcerated individuals in conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker 3.
Participate in staff meetings for communication and coordination of mental health services, including peer review/quality assurance and Coordinated Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) projects.
Receive required training, such as Suicide Prevention and LMS.
Participate in MDTs, Mental Health Duty Officer, and may provide annual in-service Suicide Prevention instruction.
Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to mental health promotion.
Participate in involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings on a rotational basis.