Psychology Associate - L228- WSP

State of Washington•Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the WA State Penitentiary located in Walla Walla, WA. The mission of Mental Health Services is to provide patients with quality, medically necessary mental health care that promotes incarcerated individuals’ wellness and is consistent with the provisions of the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) Health Plan and related processes, protocols, and procedures. Under the clinical and administrative supervision of a psychologist 3 or 4, this position supports this mission by providing evidence-based mental health programming that helps treat and stabilize incarcerated individuals’ mental health and subsequent behaviors, thereby reducing risk factors while promoting wellness and prosocial behaviors. This position may administratively supervise CMHC3’s depending on unit composition and staffing levels.

Requirements

Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
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.
Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington State Department of Health; active with no conditions.
Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.

Responsibilities

Provide mental health assessment and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan and relevant processes, protocols, and procedures.
Conduct intake of incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services, including documenting the identified problem, background, and treatment plan; obtaining Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment; obtaining collateral information; making referral for additional mental health services; and following up as deemed appropriate.
Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity and emotional adjustment as well as treatment needs of incarcerated individuals.
Provide direct psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services to incarcerated individuals based upon evidenced-based practices and principles.
Provide consultation to unit and custody staff with regard to treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning and management of specific behavior disturbances.
Consult and staff cases with the supervisor.
Follow documentation expectations per policies and standards of care.
Be available for communication regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations, provide assessment of the crisis, and plan and execute interventions including follow-up.
Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients on suicide watch.
Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients in restraint beds or chairs.
Provide administrative and clinical supervision to Correctional Mental Health Counselor staff.
Monitor leave usage and timecard submission.
Complete supervisory functions, including Position Descriptions, Performance and Development Plans, and Performance and Development Plan Evaluations.
Monitor and assess clinical skills based on the Clinical Practice Parameters for the CMHC, including routine reviews of clinical documentation.
Complete Supervisory Conference Forms to document weekly supervision.
Serve as Mental Health Duty Officer on rotation basis and/or as assigned.
Actively participate in all clinical in-service meetings and training as assigned.
Participate in Involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings as designated and appropriate.
May provide Annual In-Service Suicide Prevention instruction as designated and appropriate.
Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to the promotion of mental health.
Fulfill other duties as assigned.
Coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of incarcerated individuals as assigned.
Coordinate with outside agencies and community services in conjunction with re-entry/release staff.