Salary: $6,452.00 - $8,671.00 Monthly
Location : Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: HS - WSP
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionProgram Specialist 4 - Substance Use Disorder ProfessionalWA State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, WA - Full Time/Project, Non-PermSalary Range: $6,452 - $8,671 MonthlyThe Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a
Program Specialist 4 - Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP or SUDPT).The Health Services Substance Recovery Unit (HS-SRU) 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 and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Substance Use Disorder assessments and treatment are based on nationally recognized assessment and treatment criteria. This position requires, by state law (WAC 246-341-0515), specialized training, DOH certification, and client case management to include maintaining treatment records 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.
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."
DutiesOn behalf of the statewide Health Service Substance Recovery Unit (HS-SRU) Provide, depending on the needs of the facility and direction by the HS-SRU Administrator or designee, 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 DOC Policy and ASAM Criteria and policy and procedures set by the Department of Corrections regarding substance use disorder treatment. Independently conduct Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) Substance Use Disorder Assessments utilizing DOC 14-040 Substance Use Disorder Assessment as assigned by HS-SRU leadership. If assigned complete substance use screening and appropriate follow-up to include individual sessions. Understand and practice positive role modeling behavior and demonstrate effective communication. - Facilitate all clinical aspects of SUD treatment programs to include 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.
- If assigned to a TC: 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 HS-SRU 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.
- 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 decision and rationale.
Other Duties as assigned. QualificationsRequired 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/Desired 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.
Supplemental Information 
