Psychology Associate - MCC

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 within the assigned area of responsibility providing diagnostic assessment, treatment, and crisis services for incarcerated individuals with a mental health condition. The Psychology Associate position is an integral part of the Health Services team at MCC and functions to provide high quality, evidence-based care for incarcerated individuals meeting criteria for mental health treatment under the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) Health Plan.

The mental health team at MCC functions in collaboration with other health care professionals to achieve the agency’s mission of creating safer communities. Mental health treatment primarily contributes to this mission by increasing self-regulation skills and supporting prosocial autonomous functioning among the incarcerated population. Clinical supervision and oversight is provided by a licensed Psychologist.

Mon-Fri 10:00-18:30. Work is to be performed onsite.

• 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.

• Work independently and cooperatively within the mental health team to provide mental health assessments and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan, protocols, and processes and procedures.
• Intake of incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services, including those who are received on transport. This includes: documentation of problem; background and treatment plan; obtaining Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment; obtaining collateral information from within and outside DOC; referral to additional mental health services (e.g., Psychiatric); and follow-up as deemed appropriate.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity and emotional adjustment as well as treatment need of incarcerated individuals (including but not limited to the completion of MHA/ MHU's. Tx plans, SRA/SRD, Safety Plans, Individual Behavior Modification Plans, etc.).
• Provide direct Psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services to incarcerated individuals based upon Evidenced Based Practices and Principle’s per the Washington DOC Health Plan
• Provide consultation to unit and custody staff with regard to treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning and handling specific behavior disturbances. Consults and staff’s cases with the supervisors.
• Follow documentation expectations per policy and standards of care.

• Be available for communication between DOC staff and/or patients regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations.
• Provide assessment of the crisis.
• Plan and execute interventions including follow-up after resolution to assure stability is established. Includes communication with DOC staff involved with the patient, who have a  need to know .

• In conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker 3, coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed incarcerated individuals.

• Participate in staff meetings for communication and coordination of mental health services. This includes peer review/quality assurance and…