Mental Health Counselor - State of Washington : Job Details

Corrections Mental Health Counselor 3 Walla Walla, WA Monthly Salary Range: $6,302 - $8,477 The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Corrections Mental Health Counselor 3 for the Washington State Penitentiary located in Walla Walla, WA. The mission of Mental Health Services is to provide quality medically necessary Mental Health Care that promotes incarcerated individual wellness and is consistent with the provisions of the Washington DOC Health Plan, processes, protocols, and procedures. Under the administrative supervision of a Psychology Associate, and the clinical supervision of the lead unit Psychologist, this position provides evidence based mental health programming that helps treat and stabilize mental health and subsequent behaviors of incarcerated individuals, thereby reducing risk factors while promoting wellness and prosocial behaviors. A COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL INCLUDE: A detailed resume A cover letter Three professional references Application assessment will be ongoing, and 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. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions. Provide mental health counseling services to assigned incarcerated individuals with clinical supervision and approval. Provide mental health counseling services including but not limited to: individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, mental health unit rounds, clinical case management, and mental health assessment with clinical supervision and approval as needed or based on the frequency determined by the severity of the patient's current symptomology. These services are based on the need of the individual per the WADOC Health Plan and relevant mental health policies, protocols, processes, and guidelines. Provides emergent mental health coverage as directed. Works in conjunction with the clinical supervisor when patients are placed in the Close Observation Area (COA) to coordinate care and treatment. Documentation and Treatment Planning with clinical supervision and approval. Observes, interviews, collects data, and directs treatment of patients on assigned caseload assessing and documenting the patients' needs and status in their medical charts. Ensures timely and accurate reporting and documentation of services rendered. Reporting and documentation may include computer-based OMNI data, typed reports, and/or legible handwritten reports that are filed in the patients' medical charts. Completes Mental Health Encounter Reports (MHERs), Mental Health Appraisals (MHAs), and Mental Health Updates (MHUs) as required by policy, with clinical supervision and approval. May be assigned other assessments as needed. Completes Suicide Risk Assessments/Detections, Safety Plans, and crisis documentation when required by policy or directed by supervisor. Facilitates and monitors development and implementation of individualized Mental Health Treatment Plans with clinical supervision and approval in accordance with the Washington DOC Health Plan and relevant Mental Health policies, protocols, processes, and guidelines. Case consultation. Attends and actively participates in clinical and administrative supervision meetings to review the implementation of treatment plans for clinical clarification and to receive feedback and instructions on services provided. Attends and actively participates in meetings and case consultation with other DOC staff to ensure coordination of patient care. Transition and release. Coordinates and facilitates transition and release needs of incarcerated individuals as assigned with outside agencies and community services in conjunction with reentry/release staff. Trainings, involuntary antipsychotic medication hearings, and other duties as assigned. Actively participate in all clinical in-service meetings and trainings as assigned. Participate in involuntary antipsychotic medication hearings as designated and appropriate, and 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 within the prison and in the community. Required Qualifications: Certified Agency Affiliated Counselor (CAAC). Must have the ability to apply for a Certified Agency Affiliated Counselor License (CAAC) within 30 days of hire date. Additional consideration may be given for higher level Dept. of Health (DOH) Mental Health licenses. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology and two years of supervised experience. -OR- Bachelor's degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology and five years of supervised experience. 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 treatment team. Independently held license to practice mental health throughout Washington Department of Health, active with no conditions. Mission : The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. Our Vision : Working together for safer communities. Our Commitment : To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington. Our Core Values : Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities. Important Notes or Additional Information Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references. The mission of DOC is to improve public safety. For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov. A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Employees may work directly with or in close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days of the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results. If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment. Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more. Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds. DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov. We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies: Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace. Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable. Promote inclusiveness. Be culturally sensitive and appropriate. Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions. What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include: Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range. 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 and so much more! 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, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call at (509) ###-####. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####.