Description

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking multiple highly motivated and qualified individuals for a full-time project- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professional for the Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) at the Washington State Penitentiary located in Walla Walla, WA.

Careers in addiction and recovery allow caring and passionate people to make a considerable impact on the lives of individuals living with substance abuse and related challenges. If you have a passion for helping others and ready to advance in your career, this is an opportunity for you.

Please note : although position is project based, consideration will be made for future job opportunities. One may say, this is a foot in the door chance to gain experience and become a competitive candidate within the unit.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is one of the largest certified treatment agencies in the State of Washington, with services located within prisons and work release facilities. Drug offenses and property crimes are the most common felony crime types committed by individuals currently under the jurisdiction of the DOC who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders that remain untreated lead to the continuous cycle of homelessness and poverty, as well as a heightened need for mental health treatment, emergency room visits, and in many cases, the eventual return to prison.

As the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professional, you will work in the capacity as a licensed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Counselor. This is an expert level position within the SARU treatment program which advises the SARU Program Administrator, SARU Clinical Supervisor, and executive leadership within the Department of corrections regarding substance use disorder assessment and treatment. The SUD Treatment Specialist functions under limited supervision and routinely makes independent judgement/interpretations working in multi-dimensional assessment and treatment dynamics.

If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• Three professional references

Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professional duties may include:
On behalf of the statewide Substance Use Disorder Unit (SARU), the Program Specialist 4 provides level 3.3 Evidenced Based Substance Use Disorder IOP and IDT Treatment to incarcerated individuals according to Washington Administrative Code (WAC), DOC policy, and ASAM Criteria.

• 
  Independently conducts Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) substance use disorder assessments utilizing DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment.
• Facilitating education and process groups, case management, individual counseling, treatment plan development and maintenance.
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness and client outcomes (writing discharge summaries), expert level record keeping and documentation.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams, and present and participate in clinical staffing’s.
• The SUD Treatment Specialist (SUDPS) utilizes critical thinking and subject matter expertise to provide evidenced based Treatment services accurately, reliably, and consistently.

Utilizes treatment triage procedures according to SARU and DOC policy to admit incarcerated individuals into treatment.

• Prioritize and coordinate substance abuse pre-screening and assessment services in a manner that maximizes DOC resources.
• Reports and documents outcomes in the secured access OMNI Program Screen.
• Communicates and collaborates with DOC stakeholders (Mental Health, Classification, SOTAP, Education etc.)

Information is examined and a multi-dimensional/complex scoring instrument is used which requires expert level interpretation to assess risk for re-offense.

• The SUDPS must utilize critical thinking while maintaining fidelity using ASAM Criteria for continued stay reviews, Individual service plan reviews and discharge planning and writing.
• Ensure chronological notes are entered according to established CFR 42 Part 2 and Policy 580.000 criteria
• Updates clinical notes utilizing clear and concise skills per WAC 246-341-640.

Qualifications

What we need (required qualifications):

• 
  Associates Degree with a Social Service or Criminal Justice focus from an accredited college whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
• Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in Washington State).
• Ability to work independently and within a team, while exercising good judgement and promoting positive working relationships with offenders, staff, and stakeholders.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or a foreign Equivalent.
• Experience and understanding of evidence-based treatment delivery practices.
• Professional experience using OMNI/SharePoint or other offender tracking systems.
• Experience within DOC environment.

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on 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.

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement
Pursuant to Emergency Proclamation 21-14, all Washington State executive branch employees, on-site contractors, and volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18th, 2021. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 Vaccination as part of the hire process for all positions within our agency. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the recruiter listed in the supplemental information section at the end of the job announcement.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• 
  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.

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
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Kathey Waggoner @ kwaggoner.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.