Summary

This job involves working as a mental health counselor in a Washington state prison, helping inmates with cognitive disabilities build essential life skills through training sessions, group activities, and one-on-one support to prepare them for life after release.

The role focuses on ensuring safety, managing risks like self-harm, and collaborating with prison staff to promote ethical and culturally sensitive care.

It's a great fit for compassionate professionals with experience in counseling, education, and rehabilitation who are motivated to improve public safety by supporting inmate reintegration.

Key Requirements

Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field, plus relevant licensure (e.g., LMHC, LICSW)
Experience providing mental health services to individuals with cognitive disabilities or in correctional settings
Ability to conduct skills training, group sessions, and individual case management using evidence-based practices
Knowledge of risk assessment for self-harm, harm to others, and grave disability, with skills in making appropriate referrals
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with custody staff, multidisciplinary teams, and program managers
Commitment to ethical, confidential, gender-specific, and culturally competent service delivery
Flexibility to participate in meetings, community events, and release planning to support inmate safety and reentry

Full Job Description

Correctional Mental Health Counselor 3

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Aberdeen, WA.

Monthly Salary: $6,673.00-$8,976.00

Annual Salary: $80,076.00-$107,712.00

Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm (0800-1630) Monday-Friday (Saturday/Sunday off)

The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Corrections Mental Health Counselor 3 for the Stafford Creek Corrections Center located in Aberdeen, WA.

The Correctional Mental Health Counselor 3 (CMHC3) is an integral member of the Skill Building Unit in Mission Housing and provides essential services for the incarcerated individuals with cognitive disabilities in the unit.

Under the direction of the SBU Program Manager, the CMHC3 conducts trainings, groups, and provides individual case management care, related to functionality, ability to attend activities of daily living, interpersonal skills, soft skills and communication.

The CMHC3 participates in unit community meetings, staff meetings, Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings associated with release planning as well as disciplinary sanctions.

The CMHC3 works with custody staff and classification staff to ensure safety and security, as well as progression of the incarcerated individual.

The CMHC3 will identify incarcerated individuals who indicate risk for harm to self, risk for harm to others and grave disability, as well as make the appropriate referrals to mental health per the Health Services policy as well as the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) Healthcare Plan.

The holder of this position works to ensure the safety and security of the incarcerated individuals coming into Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Skill Builder Unit and those individuals that are transitioning into the community from incarceration, by providing educational opportunities to assist in preparing themselves for successful reentry into the community.

This includes knowledge of resources and skills that will assist them to becoming successful in the community as well as identifying key needs to maintain success.

The CMHC3 provides professional services in an ethical and humane manner to participate in the Skill Building Unit. The services are gender specific as well as culturally competent.

The CMHC3 uses evidence-based modalities based on the development of the individualized service plan. The CMHC3 functions ethically and maintains confidentiality.

The functions of the CMHC3 for the SBU program also maintains professional and ethical communications with both staff and incarcerated individuals to ensure continuous communication in maintained for the health and welfare of the incarcerated individuals as well as professionalism with other members of the SBU program staff.

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to 'improve public safety by positively changing lives. For additional information visit our website at doc.wa.gov

Application assessment will be ongoing; the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It’s the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.

Requirements

Conduct Skills Training:

Conduct classes/training with approved curriculum.
Will present classes within Stafford Creek Corrections Center for the Skill Building Unit between 8-10 hours per week.

Individual meetings with Skill Building Unit Participants:

Meet with each assigned participant monthly.
Participate in FRMT (Facility Risk Management Team) meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings as scheduled for assigned participants.
Maintain and update Individualized Service Plan designated for participants in the SBU.
Conduct re-assessment of skills annually or semi annually based on the individualized SBU development plan.
Provide open-door time (two hours per week) on the unit to address individual questions and concerns.

Class development, preparation and contact documentation:

Progress notes (Primary Encounter Report), in SOAP format (Suicide, Objective, Assessment/Analysis and Plan) will be complete for all individual contacts.
Ensure timely documentation of contact with participants (same day or next day).
Encounters will be entered in OMNI-HS for individual contacts.
Document behavior observations in OMNI as appropriate.
Write infractions where appropriate.
Write incident reports where appropriate.

Intake:

Complete a standardized set of assessments and screenings at intake to the unit to assist with identification of the individual strengths and limitations related to interpersonal communication, soft skills and life skills functionality.
Create the initial individualized SBU development plan.

Collaboration:

The CMHC3 will collaborate with the unit staff and the Health Services Mental Health Professional assigned to the unit.
Attend and contribute to staff and unit meetings as scheduled and requested.
Attend SBU committee meetings.

Other duties as assigned:

Complete assigned trainings required by the Department of Corrections and as applicable to the Skill Builders' Program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Certified Agency Affiliated Counselor (CAAC). Must have the ability to apply for a Certified Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
Additional consideration may be given for a higher level DOH MH licenses.

Desired Qualifications:

Doctoral Degree in Psychology from an accredited school or Department of Psychology or Master’s Degree in in Psychology and two years of supervised, post Master’s Degree expierence.
At least one year of expierence working independently and effectively to develop 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.
Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington Department of Health; active with no conditions.

Additional 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:

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. 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.

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.

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:

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!

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 lindsey.martinez@doc1.wa.gov or call at (425) 760-4485.

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

✓ Fresh Listing

Correctional Mental Health Counselor 3 - SCCC

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

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