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State of Washington Dept. of Corrections

Director of Behavioral Health Services (0419)-HQ

State of Washington Dept. of Corrections, Tumwater, Washington, us, 98511


DescriptionDirector of Behavioral Health Services

Tumwater, WA

Annual salary range: $134,894 - $163,527

The Department of Corrections Health Services Division is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the critical role of Director of Behavioral Health.

The Director of Behavioral Health is the highest-level Psychologist in DOC with the responsibility of ensuring the delivery of quality, clinically appropriate and timely mental health, substance use disorder, sex offending behavior treatment and psychiatric services to the whole DOC population. This position envisions and implements the service delivery model consistent with the services outlined in the DOC Health Plan and all applicable policies. As the agency expert in providing for the behavioral health needs in a correctional setting, this incumbent ensures services are adherent to relevant laws as well as meeting, if not exceeding, community standards of care. DOC is an industry leader in providing specialized healthcare to include gender affirming care, traumatic brain injury services and exceptional psychiatric care for individuals with both acute and chronic care needs. This position will work collaboratively with other Health Services leaders in the design and implementation of an integrated model of care, such as a Patient Centered Medical Home Model.

The incumbent is the agency's leader for the design and delivery of a comprehensive scope of behavioral health services. This includes both tactical and strategic decisions to ensure effective management of the agency's behavioral health system, and the services provided to all individuals with behavioral health needs. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring that DOC Behavioral Health staff are providing services in accordance with agency policy and the DOC Health Plan. The incumbent is responsible for designating a Mental Health Lead for each DOC facility. The incumbent provides clinical and administrative guidance and direction to DOC's Regional Chief Psychologists, Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) Program Administrator, Gender Affirming Care Program Administrator, Chief of Psychiatry, and facility Mental Health Leads to empower them to effectively manage mental health services at their respective facilities. Decisions regarding hiring, contracting with and evaluating these lead clinicians are a shared responsibility with the respective appointing authorities.

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.

DutiesVision, design and implementation of a comprehensive Behavioral Health Program

In collaboration with MH Leadership, SARU Leadership, GAC Leadership, and other key leaders, identify and design the model of care for individuals needing behavioral health services while incarcerated in DOC. This model will include integration with other Health Services disciplines as identified in the Patient Centered Medical Home model.

Utilize facility Behavioral Health leaders, develop a plan for implementation of this model of care and follow through on plan.

Final clinical decisions in patient care as necessary.

Chair Care Review Committees to make determinations on levels of care and patient treatment.

Serve as the DOC expert on behavioral health care and system design internally and externally, to include presentations at legislative hearings, litigations, and committees.

Responsible for building a network of support and services with stakeholders within and outside of DOC.

Policy and Protocol Management

Responsible for the writing and updating of all mental health related policies and protocols to include 630.500 Mental Health Services, 630.550 Suicide Prevention and Response, 630.540 Involuntary Medication Administration, 320.265 Close Observation Areas.

Responsible for providing subject matter expert consultation in other policies such as 610.040 Health Screenings and Assessments and 610.010 Patient Consent for Health Care, and all other related behavioral health policies to include SARU and GAC, among others.

Ensure that agency policies related to behavioral health are consistent with relevant case law, and professional and ethical standards.

Policies will ensure the following:

Appropriate screenings are conducted to identify individuals with behavioral health concerns and risk for suicide.

Individuals with behavioral health concerns have appropriate assessments and treatment plans in place, in accordance with agency policy.

The scope and modality of services provided by behavioral health staff are grounded in evidence-based approaches; are aligned with national standards; and are provided with a framework that includes clinical supervision and continuous quality improvement.

Develop and approve curriculum for behavioral health training of staff within the agency.

Ensure that staff throughout the agency have the training and support they need to effectively provide services to individuals with behavioral health concerns.

Monitor program data to ensure that services and resources are being utilized efficiently and effectively.

Clinical Oversight of Mental Health and Psychiatric services for the Department of Corrections

Oversee Quality Assurance practices across all facilities.

Ensure Clinical Oversight of all Mental Health and Psychiatry staff.

Report clinical events and practice concerns related to DOC Mental Health Providers to the Department of Health.

Ensure that the agency's behavioral health providers are appropriately credentialed.

Determine clinical privileges for behavioral health and psychiatric providers.

QualificationsRequired Experience, and Competencies:

Five years’ experience working as a licensed and appropriately certified Psychologist who has demonstrated a career path of progressive level of responsibility and experience managing behavioral health programs and professionals, preferably in correctional and/or forensic setting.

Strong interpersonal skills, operations management experience, strategic operations planning experience, management experience and strong system/program design skills and knowledge of basic computer skills.

Knowledge and skill development of service delivery systems to meet standards of external regulatory agencies.

Knowledge of practice standards, especially as it relates to RCWs, WACs, related to the treatment and management of the behaviorally ill within a correctional health care system and in the community, the CBAs, and DOC policy.

Preferred/Desired Educations, Experience, and Competencies:

PhD/PsyD Degree in Psychology or related field from a university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Demonstrated progressive supervisory experience with leadership of Behavioral Health providers.

2 years of experience within Washington Department of Corrections in leadership positions sufficient to understand Agency goals, metrics, performance, procedures, relationships, and process flows.

3 years of experience with corrections and/or forensic population or staff care.

Experience with personnel management systems.

Experience with budget execution and knowledge of methods to maintain responsible fiscal management.

Experience with union negotiations and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Experience with legislative stakeholders and external community stakeholders relevant to corrections leadership.

Supplemental Information

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.

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 applicant’s 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.

DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT).

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

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 vacation 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 kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call at (509) 907-7808.

For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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