Psychology Associate - MCC

Description The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Psychology Associate for the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) located just northeast of the Seattle area in Washington. This position functions as a Primary Therapist at a facility providing diagnostic assessment, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with a mental health condition. The Psychology Associate is an integral part of the Health Services team at MCC and provides high quality, evidence-based care for individuals meeting criteria under the Washington Department of Corrections Health Plan.

The mental health team collaborates with other health care professionals to achieve the agency’s mission of creating safer communities.

Mon-Fri 08:00-16:30. Work is to be performed onsite.

• Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals:
  • Perform mental health assessments and provide treatment per the Washington DOC Health Plan, protocols, and procedures.
  • Intake incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services, including transport referrals, document problems, background and treatment plan, obtain informed consent, gather collateral information, refer to additional services, and follow up as appropriate.
  • Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity and treatment needs, including completion of MHA/MHU’s Tx plans, SRA/SRD, Safety Plans, Individual Behavior Modification Plans, etc.
  • Deliver direct psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services based on evidence‑based practices and mandated Mandates.
  • Consult with unit and custody staff about treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning, and behavior disturbances.
  • Follow documentation expectations per policy and standards of care.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Be available for communication between DOC staff or patients regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations.
  • Assess the crisis, plan and execute interventions, and follow up to ensure stability.
• Transition and Release:
  • Coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed incarcerated individuals in conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker 3.
• Trainings, meetings, and other duties as assigned:
  • Participate in staff meetings, peer review/quality assurance, and Coordinated Quality Improvement Program projects.
  • Receive required training, including annual training and Learning Center (LC).
  • Participate in Multidisciplinary Team and Facility Risk Management Team.
  • Provide annual in‑service Suicide Prevention instruction as needed.
  • Offer informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on mental health promotion.
  • Participate in Involuntary Anti-psychotic Medication Hearings and Mental Health Duty Officer rotation as required.

• Required Qualifications:
  • Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC) or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
  • Availability to apply for LAAC within 30 days of hire.
  • Possession of higher level DOH Mental Health Licenses considered additional consideration.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctoral degree in Psychology or a Master’s degree in Psychology with two years of supervised post‑Master's experience.
  • At least one year of experience providing individual and group therapies independently.
  • Experience linking clients with resources within institutions and/or the community.
  • Experience working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Official Washington State licensure as a Mental Health Clinician.

Application packet must include a detailed resume, cover letter, and three professional references with phone number and email address.

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid sick leave, vacation time, and other standard Washington State employee benefits.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal.