The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking multiple highly motivated and qualified individual for a
Program Specialist 4 - Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professional for the Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) at the Monroe Correctional Complex located just northeast of the Seattle area in Washington.
The Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) is responsible for the implementation of evidence-based practices and the operational support to facilitate criminal justice involved individuals’ participation in promising practices/programs designed to decrease recidivism, which increases staff, criminal justice involved individuals, and public safety.
Working for the Department of Corrections, in collaboration with its Criminal Justice and community partners, this position will contribute to staff and community safety and hold supervised individuals accountable by conducting appropriate substance use disorder assessments to assess the risks and needs of the population and by providing referrals to address the risks and needs across the continuum of care for the prevention of opioid and stimulant overdose, with access to services in the community in accordance with identified risks and needs.
Supported by the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, this position will expand the use of the DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment tool, the ASAM Patient Placement Manual, and the Diagnostic Service Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5), to improve the diagnosis and treatment of criminal involved individuals that have current or past history of opiate and/or stimulant use. This position exists to support the vision by assessing substance abuse treatment needs after a violation of their community custody and capturing the assessment results in a manner that allows for placement decisions and strategic long-range planning activities to include: classification, custody level and programming prioritization for statewide Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU).
The Substance Abuse Disorder Assessment is based on nationally recognized assessment and placement criteria. This position requires, by state law (WAC 246-341-0610 (1) (b)), specialized training, DOH certification, and application of the DOC 14-040 tool to diagnose criminal justice involved individual’s risk to relapse and re-offend.
This is an expert level position within the SARU treatment program which advises the Corrections Specialist 4-Reentry Substance Use Professional (CS-4) supervisor, Opioid Grant Manager, and executive leadership within the Department of corrections regarding substance use disorder assessment and treatment. Assessment and treatment outcomes may be utilized by executive level representatives from all divisions within the Department of Corrections.
The incumbent will have organizational wide program management responsibilities and will serve as the area program specialist. High level assessment outcomes may be utilized by executive level representatives from all divisions within the Department of Corrections. The SUD Assessment Specialist functions under limited supervision and routinely makes independent judgement/interpretation to score a complex and multi-dimensional assessment tool. The incumbent will collaborate with the PS3 SOR Reentry Case Manager in providing appropriate referrals based on the unique needs of each program participant. The objective of this position is to reduce the likelihood of participant recidivism, reduce relapse/overdose risk due to opiate and/or stimulant use and promote a healthy lifestyle of recovery.
In addition, this position responds to both external and internal stakeholders on behalf of the SARU regarding the use of the forms DOC 14-040, DOC 14-165 and/or the agency approved screening//assessments, as well as scoring rationale. The incumbent will be responsible for meeting the deliverables of the SOR Grant to include but not limited to administer and oversee all program activities in the facility/facilities in which they are assigned. The administration, scoring and the recording of this screening/assessment has statewide impacts on classification, prison bed utilization, program admission, sentencing conditions both in custody and in the community.
A completed application packet will include:-
A detailed resume
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A cover letter
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Transcripts
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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.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:
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
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8 hours of paid sick leave per month
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12 paid holidays a year
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Generous retirement plan
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Flex Spending Accounts
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Dependent Care Assistance
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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.
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 [email protected] or call us at (509) 290-7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
