Summary
This job involves providing therapy and support to people in prison who struggle with substance abuse, helping them through assessments, counseling sessions, and group programs to reduce the chances of returning to crime.
It focuses on creating safer environments for staff, inmates, and the public by addressing addiction needs in a structured way.
A good fit would be someone compassionate with experience in addiction counseling, who is organized and comfortable working in a high-security prison setting.
Full Job Description

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a Program Specialist 4 - Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP or SUDPT) for the Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) at the Monroe Correctional Complex located in Monroe, Washington.
The Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is responsible for the implementation of evidence-based practices and the operational support to facilitate individual participation in promising practices/programs designed to decrease recidivism, which increases staff, incarcerated individual and public safety.
The Department of Corrections, in collaboration with its criminal justice partners, will contribute to staff and community safety and hold incarcerated individuals accountable by conducting appropriate substance use disorder assessments and treatment to assess the risk and needs of the population and by providing services to address the risks and needs across the continuum in the least restrictive setting needed to ensure protection of staff, incarcerated individuals and public.
This position will work in the capacity as a licensed Substance Use Disorder Professional or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee, providing all clinical elements in DOC Substance Use Disorder Treatment services in accordance with the ASAM Criteria Manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and the Washington State Administrative Code (WAC’s). Substance Use Disorder assessments and treatment are based on nationally recognized assessment and treatment criteria. This position requires, by state law (WAC 246-341-0610 (1)(b)), specialized training, DOH certification, and client case management to include maintaining treatment records law WAC’s and Federal Confidentiality laws 42 CFR Part 2. Assessment and treatment outcomes may be utilized by executive level representatives from all divisions within the Department of Corrections.
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
- Depending on the needs of the facility and direction by the Substance Abuse Unit Administrator or designee, provide level 3.5 Evidenced Based Substance Use Disorder Therapeutic Community (TC) Treatment Program, level 2.5 High Intensity Outpatient and 2.1 Intensive Outpatient to incarcerated individuals according to Washington Administrative Code (WAC), DOC Policy and ASAM Criteria.
- Independently conduct Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) Substance Use Disorder Assessment utilizing DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment.
- If assigned, complete substance use screening and appropriate follow-up to include individual sessions.
- Facilitate education and process groups, case management, individual counseling, treatment plan development and maintenance, evaluate treatment effectiveness and client outcomes (write discharge summaries), expert level record keeping and documentation, participate in multidisciplinary teams, present and participate in clinical staffing, and maintain a caseload.
- Identify incarcerated individuals’ self-destructive behaviors, hold incarcerated individuals accountable for self-destructive behaviors, understand and role model TC concepts and components, understand and use the steps of interaction/clinical interventions, facilitate phase up interviews, facilitate awareness interviews (AI), facilitate relating table discussion, facilitate peer accountability groups (PAG’s), co-facilitate TC General Meetings (GM), assist in managing and maintaining community documentation, understanding and practicing positive role model behavior and demonstrating effective communication.
- Utilize critical thinking and subject matter expertise to accurately, reliably and consistently provide evidence-based Treatment services.
- Utilize treatment triage procedures according to SARU and DOC policy to admit incarcerated individuals into treatment to appropriate substance use disorder treatment groups.
- Prioritize and coordinate substance abuse pre-screening and assessment services in a manner that maximizes DOC resources.
- Report and document outcomes in the secured access OMNI Program Screen.
- Communicate and collaborate with DOC Stakeholders (Mental Health, Classification, SOTAP, Education etc.).
- Execute expert level interpretation to assess risk for re-offense utilizing an information and multi-dimensional/complex scoring instrument.
- 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.
- Update clinical notes utilizing clear and concise skills per WAC 246-341-640.
- Serve as a statewide substance abuse treatment program expert in the use of the DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment. Enter the assessment results in OMNI and maintain documentation of the scoring decisions and rationale.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:- Ability to work independently and within a team while exercising good judgement and promoting positive working relationships with offenders, staff, and stakeholders.
- Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional and/or a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Certification (initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in Washington State).
Preferred Qualifications:- Associate’s 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.
- Bachelor’s Degree 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.
- Professional experience and understanding of evidenced-based treatment delivery practices.
- Professional experience using OMNI, SharePoint, OnBase, and other DOC tracking systems.
- Experience with Corrections environment.
Additional Information
Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application:- The Department of Corrections defines a professional reference 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.
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!
- State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Additional Information:- 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.
- 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.
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.
- This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
The 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 on the first day of employment.
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.
Our Mission: 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.
We are committed to hiring individuals who possess the following 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.
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 diversity, 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 zenon.mateyka@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509.290.7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1.800.833.6388.