Corrections Specialist 4 - Reentry CBI

Full Job Description

The Reentry Division’s Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) Corrections Specialist facilitator provides professional assessment, evaluation and delivery of CBI to incarcerated individuals.

The Corrections Specialist partners with DOC staff across the continuum of case management throughout incarcerated individual’s pathways.

The CBI programs provide participants with opportunity to engage in cognitive self-change in order to develop skills needed to enhance social abilities, improve problem solving and think in ways that change their actions which improve positive correctional outcomes, reduce recidivism, and lead to safer communities.

This position reports to a Cognitive Behavioral Interventions Manager.

The Mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

A complete application packet will include all of the following attachments:

1. A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency.
2. A detailed resume.
3. Unofficial transcripts, if applicable.

Requirements

Provide professional delivery of all Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBIs) within the inventory of the Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) Unit to eligible participants actively under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections:

• Facilitate group and individual CBI sessions.
• Review and adhere to standards as outlined in the CBI Facilitators Guides.
• From an eligibility list, screen and assign participants to designated Cogntive Behavioral Interventions using approved criteria and prioritization strategies.
• Schedule classes and/or enter callouts for selected eligible participants
• Notify participants of selection and intervention start date, schedule, and location.
• Notify the Fidelity Unit of the intervention start date, schedule, and location.
• Prepare lesson plans for the delivery of interventions.
• Deliver intervention to participants according to lesson plan.
• Observe and monitor individual participation and provide feedback on the lesson by providing reinforcements and additional coaching as necessary.
• Identify and set appropriate behavioral targets to increase or decrease identified participants behaviors.
• Schedule and facilitate make-up sessions as necessary and in accordance with intervention and Facilitator Guide requirements.
• When directed by curricula, assess participant progress to determine intervention advancement.
• Host graduation events to acknowledge participants’ achievements in completing the intervention.

Share with stakeholders the status of the ongoing Cognitive Behavioral Intervention:

• Work collaboratively with case management and supervisory staff to share program and participants status at unit meetings and MDTs.
• Communicate with assigned case management staff to report participant’s progress, safety issues, attendance, behavioral issues, or life issues that impact participation.
• Develop strategies with the assigned case management staff to reinforce/encourage individual’s participation.

Participate in and complete all scheduled training/coaching sessions for Cognitive Behavioral Interventions:

• Attend and successfully complete the initial CBI facilitator training as scheduled.
• Upon determination of new intervention offering, attend and successfully complete intervention training as scheduled.
• Attend, participate in, and successfully complete all required booster trainings.
• Attend and participate in Fidelity Unit feedback and coaching sessions to reinforce/improve intervention delivery skills and improve intervention efficacy and outcomes.

Document individual participation:

• Upon determination of the final participant list for the intervention session, enter information into the electronic record or ensure that the necessary details are provided to the staff who enters that information for the CBI Unit into the electronic record.
• Document participant attendance in the electronic record for each session, inclusive of absences and make up sessions.
• Documents and enters relevant individual participation information in OMNI following each session, consistent with the corresponding Facilitator Guide.
• Document all behavioral responses in the electronic record consistent with the corresponding Facilitator Guide.
• Upon approval for termination, document in the electronic record the participant’s removal from the interventions.
• Document in the electronic record the participant’s completion of the intervention as well as any related certificates earned.
• For participants on supervision, verify that CBI condition has been imposed by assigned CCO. Notify CCO if condition is not imposed.

Qualifications

AND

Three years as a Community Corrections Officer within the Washington State Department of Corrections OR three years of professional case management* experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field which includes at least three of the following:

• Making field visits
• Writing reports
• Assessing cases and making recommendations
• Referring people to appropriate resources
• Presenting cases in court or hearings

AND

Six months experience facilitating CBI programs or professional experience in training or teaching equivalent to three full-time years.

OR

High school diploma, GED, or equivalency AND 7 (seven) years of professional experience in adult or juvenile corrections, social services, or closely related field with at least two (2) of those years involved in the direct delivery of or providing quality assurance for evidence-based programming such as Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions.

* Professional case management includes activities such as: assessment of risk factors; designing, monitoring, and/or facilitating treatment plans; determining and making referrals to appropriate (chemical dependency, substance abuse, family counseling, job training assistance, etc.); maintaining official records and tracking client progress/compliance; and assisting individuals who are unable to independently access support systems or community resources such as those providing food, clothing, or monetary assistance and shelter.

Note: A Master’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, or closely related field will substitute for one year of the required professional case management experience.

In addition to the above, this position requires demonstrated competency in the following areas (competency may be gained through education, experience, or a combination thereof):

• Facilitator Skills - Demonstrates empathy, facilitation/teaching techniques, understanding of group processes and interpersonal interactions, and the ability to control a group of individual participants through non-coercive means.
• Community Relationships - Participates in the formation and maintenance of successful relationships with criminal justice partners and community resources.
• Observation - Observes and strategizes personal response based on environmental conditions and human behavior.
• Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to: volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations.
• Professional Standards - Knows and applies community corrections related law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to productivity standards and timelines established by law and policy. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.
• Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.
• Computer Skills – Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Familiarity with DOC Offender Management Network Information (OMNI) or similar databases.
• Experience delivering programs or interventions in group settings to incarcerated or supervised individuals.

• Attend and successfully complete training for identified CBI program within 30 days of hire or at the next scheduled training.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.

• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service and other required training.

• This position is included in a union shop.

• Provide physical residential address and home telephone number to the Department of Corrections.

• Become familiar and comply with all Department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.

• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.

• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained through job performance as protected by agency policy or state or federal law.

• Possess and maintain a vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Washington.

The position will interact and work collaboratively with staff from the Community Corrections Division and Prisons Division to develop lists, schedule intervention sessions, assist in case planning in regards to CBI participation, pursue infractions, report observed violations, and communicate participant progress.

This position may be filled at the Corrections Specialist 3 level with a six-month in-training plan.

The entire in-training appointment is designated as the trial service period. The trial service period and in-training program will run concurrently.

Upon successful completion of the training requirements, the employee will advance to the Corrections Specialist 4 level and will continue with a six-month trial service period.

At the successful completion of the trial service period, the employee shall gain permanent status at the Corrections Specialist 4 level.

Permanent status will not be gained at the Corrections Specialist 3 level.

Corrections Specialist 3 Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education.

AND

Three years as a Community Corrections Officer within the Washington State Department of Corrections OR three years professional case management* experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field which includes at least three of the following:

• Making field visits
• Writing reports
• Assessing cases and making recommendations
• Referring people to appropriate resources
• Presenting cases in court or hearings

* Professional case management includes activities such as: assessment of risk factors; designing, monitoring, and/or facilitating treatment plans; determining and making referrals to resources as appropriate (chemical dependency, substance abuse, family counseling, job training assistance, etc.); maintaining official records and tracking client progress/compliance; and assisting individuals who are unable to independently access support systems or community resources such as those providing food, clothing, or monetary assistance and shelter.

Note: A Master’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, or closely related field will substitute for one year of the required professional case management experience.

The following in-training plan must be completed successfully within 6 months in order to progress to a trial service Corrections Specialist 4:

• Attend and successfully complete training for identified CBI program within 30 days of hire or at the next scheduled training.
• Facilitate an identified CBI program with individual groups for a minimum of 4 months. This will typically include facilitating 4 or more groups per week with 2 or more groups scheduled in the evenings to meet individual availability.
• Attend and fully participate in all scheduled Quality Assurance feedback sessions, coaching, and booster trainings.
• Demonstrate a willingness to receive and internalize feedback, learn from feedback, and exhibit growth in facilitator skills.
• Successfully complete all QA written improvement plans.
• Develop proficient skills in group facilitation as assessed by the Quality Assurance Unit.
  

Additional 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.

Our Core Values:

1. 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.

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Supporting people's success:Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.

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.

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 fromwww.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.

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.
• Represented position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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!

PSERS: 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

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email raven.richman@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 360-515-2470. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.