Job Description

Posting number: HS-WSP-2026-05245

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Job classification: PSYCHOLOGIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections, Mental Health, Public Health, Allied Health, Counseling, Medical/Dental

Psychologist 4

Current Available Shift:

• Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4pm

The mission of the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP Health Services is: “To provide medical, dental, and mental health services consistent with the provisions of Washington Department of Correction’s (WA DOC) Health Plan.”

This position provides and supervises the provision of Mental Health (MH) assessment and treatment services performed at WSP, in accordance with DOC Policy and the WA DOC Health Plan.

The Psychologist in this position supervises master’s level clinicians in the delivery of Mental Health Services throughout the institution including but not limited to WSP’s General Population (GP) Units, Residential Treatment Unit, Intensive Management Units and Close Observation Area.

This position carries out psycho-diagnostic testing, assess/evaluates patients and then documents findings. This position leads and participates in clinical staffing’s for mentally ill health incarcerated individual’s and assists in determining program needs, at times coordinating with custody on individualized Behavior Management Plans.

This position participates in formal clinical oversight according to the Facility and DOH Health Services clinical oversight structure, and the clinical process with be included in the performance expectations of the PDP for the staff member in this position. This position works alongside other Psychologist and health Services Manager 2 for Mental Health to provide visionary leadership, program development and implementation at Washington State Penitentiary.

Walla Walla is known for its world-class wineries. With more than 100 wineries representing a wide range of varieties, it doesn't take long to see why. It is also known for its agriculture producing wheat, asparagus, strawberries and the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. For more information visit, www.wallawalla.org
Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is a 2000 bed facility for high and medium custody men. It is located just outside the city, farms and vineyards of Walla Walla. Four separate facilities exist within the institution, each of which houses a different custody level of Incarcerated individuals. WSP is currently engaged in major facility construction, replacing old facilities with newer high custody housing units. WSP has just opened a new stand-alone health care building with inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health care and a six-chair dental operatory.
If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include and is REQUIRED:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding you interests and outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references.

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 vacant positions."

Examples of duties

In this role you will:

• Provides leadership and clinical oversight to assigned mental health professionals throughout Washington State Penitentiary.
• Collaborates with the Health Service Managers (HSM2) Mental Health and other Psychologists in the development and implementation of mental health services at WSP. Ensures staff under supervision have on-going training and development in therapeutic skills and requirements of the WA Doc Health Plan.
• Participates in the involuntary medication hearings, completes Behavioral Discharge Summaries (BHDS) and actively participates in the clinical leadership of the Mental Health Management Team.
• Participate in Quality improvement projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current license to practice psychology in the state of Washington.
• 1 year of post-doctoral psychology experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working independently and effectively to develop resource linking client need with resources within institutions and/ or the community.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
PH. D or Psy. D in Clinical Psychology, Licensed as a Psychologist in the State of Washington, Advanced training in the use of forensic tools.

Three years' experience providing psychological services in a correctional setting.

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

  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.

  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:

  • 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
  • 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 ofhire. 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.

  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 kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.govor call us at 509-907-7808 For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.