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Posted: February 26, 2026 (1 day ago)

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PSYCHOLOGIST 4 - WCC

State of Washington

Dept. of Corrections

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$141,288 - $190,056

per year

Closes

March 14, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a senior psychologist at a Washington state prison who leads the mental health team, delivers direct care like assessments and therapy to inmates, and ensures high-quality services through supervision and policy development.

It's ideal for an experienced, licensed psychologist passionate about correctional mental health who enjoys mentoring staff and handling complex cases in a structured environment.

Key Requirements

  • Licensed Psychologist with expertise in mental health assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning
  • Experience providing direct mental health services including screenings, crisis intervention, individual/group therapy, and psychological testing
  • Ability to oversee program operations such as intake, outpatient care, discharge planning, and services in restrictive housing
  • Skills in administrative and clinical supervision of psychology associates and interns per DOC policies and state regulations
  • Proficiency in developing, implementing, and monitoring performance standards, policies, and procedures for quality control
  • Participation in interdisciplinary treatment conferences for patient prognosis and placement decisions
  • Knowledge of WA DOC Health Plan for determining service intensity based on individual needs and acuity levels

Full Job Description


Psychologist 4
Full Time -Permanent

Washington Corrections Center

Shelton, WA
Yearly Salary: $141,288-$190,056


The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Psychologist 4 at Washington Corrections Center (WCC).


The licensed Psychologist 4 oversees operations of the delivery of mental health services and provides direct care for patients that meet criteria for treatment per the WA DOC Health Plan. The Psych 4 provides and supervises mental health screenings, assessments, evaluations, crisis intervention and stabilization, and individual and group treatment for people with a mental health condition. The Psych 4 directs, coordinates, and provides expert level supervision for staff in the delivery of mental health services. These duties include developing, implementing, and monitoring performance standards, policies, and procedures to ensure standardization and quality control for mental health services provided. Supervision of the Psychology Associates addresses both administrative and clinical needs.

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.

Requirements

Program Oversight:

  • Intake/ Reception: Ensure provision of intake services and diagnostic assessments, as needed.
  • Outpatient Care: Ensure delivery of appropriate services to the patients residing in the Training Center units
  • Release/ Discharge: Ensure completion of discharge summaries.
    • Restrictive Housing: Ensure mental health services are provided at determined by the DOC Health Plan; ensure rounds are completed.

Provide Mental Health Services:

  • Provide ongoing assessments and treatment services for those individuals on assigned caseload to include Mental Health Appraisals initiated within the first 14 days of arrival, diagnosis, development of treatment plan as indicated and referral to appropriate treatment services as allowed through the DOC Health Plan.
  • Services may include screenings, assessments, psychological testing, diagnosis, treatment planning, individual and/or group treatment, and crisis intervention as needed.

    Evaluate and attend to patients placed in the COA as needed.

    Determine nature and intensity of services based on the individual needs, functional impairments, and acuity level of each individual in conjunction with the WA DOC Health Plan.

    Provide administrative and clinical supervision and oversight:

    • Provide clinical supervision for Psychology Associates and possible intern per DOC Policies and DOH RCW’s.
    • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment conferences to address patient’s prognosis and transfer/placement options.
    • Clinical supervision will encompass all assessment and treatment services provided by the Psychology Associates
    • Using supervision and consultation to assist staff with appropriate referrals and diagnostic clarification as needed, as well as helping to determine when patients should be referred to a RTU level of care or to a less restrictive setting or help determine when treatment should be discontinued/no longer needed.

    Mental Health Documentation:

    • Complete necessary documentation in a timely manner per DOC Policy and protocol: Suicide Risk Assessments, mental health screenings, Mental Health encounters, MHA/Us, Treatment Plans, Discharge summaries, ORCS referrals, COCs as needed, etc. (this list is not exhaustive).

    Crisis:

    • Will be available to respond to crises, including report of suicidal ideation. 13-420 requests will be triaged and referred for follow up as indicated. Outcome of screening will be communicated with the staff member initiating the 13-420.

    Understand and work towards agencies mission and values:
    • Abide by care competencies for all staff. Work in collaboration with various disciplines and departments to provide ethical mental health services. Provide guidance for supervisees to understand and work towards the agency’s mission and values.
    • Participate in monthly CQIP and/or other quality assurance related initiatives as well as work towards initiatives based off gathered metrics.

    Qualifications

    Required Qualifications:
    • One year of postdoctoral psychology experience.
    • Possession of a license to practice psychology in the state of Washington.
    • At least one year of experience working independently and effectively to develop resource linking client needs withresources within institutions and/or the community.The Psychologist 4 is expected to maintain and adhere to the continuing education requirements for the applicable professional credential.

      Each employee must adhere to legislation and/or law changes that may effect current licensure and/or registration requirements.

    Desired Qualifications:
    • Three (3) years of Postdoctoral experience. One year of supervisory experience.
    • Any advanced practice board certifications.
    • Corrections experience desirable..

    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:

    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.
    2. 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.

    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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!

    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 nicholas.epps@doc1.wa.gov.For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/27/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5252137