Salary : $207,686.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: HS-HQ-2
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: HS - HQ
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionChief of PsychologyTumwater, WAYearly Salary: $207,686The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of Chief of Psychology. This is a full-time position.
This position provides clinical oversight and direction for the delivery of mental health assessment and treatment services delivered at MCC. During times of staff vacancies, this position may provide direct supervision of Psychology Associates. This position provides SME consultation to major divisions within DOC to include Prisons, Classification and TDU. This position also leads the Quality Assurance (QA) plan for the Mental Health (MH) Unit to include the development of the protocols and structure of QA activities for MH. This position is also part of the HQ Mental Health team which determines policy and protocol for the delivery of mental health services in WA DOC.
A completed application packet will include:
A detailed resume
A cover letter
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 permanent or non-permanent positions."
DutiesClinical Oversight: - Clinical Oversight is the evaluation of the clinical practice of Psychologist 4s to ensure their adherence to appropriate clinical practice, ensuring the quality of the assessment and treatment services provided to our patients. This review protects the agency from risk associated with poor clinical practice. Clinical Oversight review includes the evaluation of documentation of services provided to incarcerated individuals to ensure that services have met quality standards. This evaluation will include the assessment, development of a treatment plan and the treatment services provided. In compliance with CQIP, this incumbent will provide Clinical Oversight Monitoring for the Psychologist 4's at MCC. During times of a Psych 4 vacancy, this position will provide clinical supervision/oversight to the Psychology Associates at these facilities. These reviews will include (but are not limited to) chart reviews and audits, site visits, and case consultations. Each Psychologist 4 will be provided with at least one Clinical Oversight meeting annually during which the outcomes of the Clinical Oversight evaluation will be discussed. Any recommendations for improvements will be provided to Psychologist 4.
- An annual report will be provided to the administrative supervisor of each Psychologist 4 providing an assessment of their clinical work, as determined by the Clinical Oversight process described above, as well as observed leadership skills.
- Consult with the administrative supervisor on any disciplinary action that is needed for MH staff at these locations.
- Mentor Psych 4's as leaders of their teams to include providing effective clinical supervision to their staff.
Quality Assurance: - In collaboration with HS QA leadership, plan, develop and implement a QA plan for MH services throughout DOC. At this time much of the QA work is focused on ensuring that there is adequate documentation of staff expectations through Protocols and Guidelines. The work for this incumbent will include development of Protocols, Guidelines, and forms to support Policies 630.500, 630.550 and 320.265. These Protocols and Guidelines will specifiy the responsibilities of staff to meet the objectives identified in the Policies.
- At MCC, ensure clinical practice meets with the expectations of DOC Policy and Protocol, to include utilizing established treatment practices in both individual and group therapy modalities.
- Review documentation in the health care charts and OMNI-HS with supervisees to ensure that clinical practice meets with the expectations of DOC
- Lead mental health teams to discuss outcomes of clinical documentation review and develop action plans for any areas in need of remediation.
- Assist with the development of a method to evaluate treatment outcomes.
MH Leadership Team: - A member of the MH Leadership team which determines Policy, Protocol and process for the delivery of MH services in DOC
- Responsible for mentoring Psych 4's to be compliant and successful in the implementation of Policy, Protocol and Process
- Provide back-up for the absence of colleagues and the Director of Behavioral Health in HS Leadership meetings such as Patient Safety, Mortality Review, Max Committee and MH Transfer Committee.
- Provide expert consultation about mental health services as well as incarcerated individuals to outside agencies. This will include consultation with stakeholders such as Disability Rights Washington (DRW) and the Office of Correctional Ombuds (OCO). The content of this consultation may include providing information about the implementation of Policies, Protocols and Guidelines and how that might inform the care provided to particular individuals. Consultation will also include responding to questions about the choice of one direction of treatment over another, which requires a high level of expertise in the field.
- Conduct Psychological Autopsies, as needed, in response to suicides within the prison setting. Produce reports to assist in the identification of any patterns or system concerns that could reduce future suicides. A Psychological Autopsy is a specialized evaluation conducted when a person has died by suicide. This in-depth analysis of available information helps to better understand the factors contributing to a person's death and how such events may be prevented in the future. Participate in other Critical Incident Reviews outside of Psychological Autopsies as needed.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:- A valid, unblemished license to practice psychology in Washington state.
- Five (5) years post-doctoral psychology experience including 3 years supervising other professional psychologistsCompetencies:
- Demonstrated skills and ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary clinical services to ensure the agency is meeting the required needs of patients in our statewide system.
- Strong interpersonal skills, experience in directing mental health operations, strategic and operations planning, strong systems/program design skills.
- Strong ability to work and communicate effectively with other professionals across all DOC divisions, as well as with external stakeholders.
- Familiar with the most current literature in psychology and skilled with methods of evidence-based research as applied to the practice of psychology.
Preferred Qualifications:- Doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA accredited school.
- Experience working in a correctional setting.
- Knowledgeable about statutory and case law, and standards related to forensic psychology.
Updated 01-07-2026
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