Psychology Associate - MCC

About the Department

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.

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

A completed application packet will include:

• 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.

Position Duties

• Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals
  • 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.
• Crisis Intervention.
  • 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".
• Transition and Release.
  • In conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker 3, coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed incarcerated individuals.
• Trainings, meetings, and other duties as assigned.
  • Participate in staff meetings for communication and coordination of mental health services. This includes peer review/quality assurance and Coordinated Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) projects.
  • Receive training as approved/required by DOC, to include but not limited to annual training and Learning Center (LC).
  • Participate in Multidisciplinary Team's (MDT) and Facility Risk Management Team’s (FRMT).
  • May provide Annual In-Service Suicide Prevention instruction.
  • Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to the promotion of mental health within the prison and in the community.
  • Participate in Involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings on a rotational basis as the chair, lay advisor, or referring mental health provider.
  • Participate in the Mental Health Duty Officer (MHDO) rotation on a voluntary basis for after-hours mental health consultations which may include some occasional requirement for onsite visits during the weekend for incident management.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
  • Please see this link to understand the requirements for obtaining a LAAC. Agency Affiliated Counselor FAQs | Washington State Department of Health
• Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
  • *An agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services as part of his or her employment for a recognized agency. Applicants for an agency affiliated counselor credential who apply within 7 days of employment may provide services within the agency for up to 60 days while the Department of Health processes your application.
• Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Other Qualifications

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:

• 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. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• 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.
• 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 applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near 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. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• 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 from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• 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. 
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. 

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:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• 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
• 3 days of Bereavement Leave
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans.  For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

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 us at (509) 290-7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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