Salary: $8,460.00 - $11,383.00 Monthly
Location : Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionPsychology Associate
WA State Penitentiary
Walla Walla, WA
Monthly Salary Range: $8,460 - $11,383
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the role of
Psychology Associate for the WA State Penitentiary located in Walla Walla, WA.
Under the clinical and administrative supervision of a psychologist 3 or 4, this position supports this mission by providing evidence-based mental health programming that helps treat and stabilize incarcerated individuals' mental health and subsequent behaviors, thereby reducing risk factors while promoting wellness and prosocial behaviors.
This position may administratively supervise CMHC3's depending on unit composition and staffing levels.
Schedule: Mon-Fri 0730-1600.
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."
DutiesMental Health Assessment and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals- Work independently and cooperatively within the mental health team to provide mental health assessment and treatment of incarcerated individuals per the Washington DOC Health Plan and relevant processes, protocols, and procedures.
- Conduct intake of incarcerated individuals referred for mental health services. This includes documenting the identified problem, background, and treatment plan; obtaining the Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment; obtaining collateral information from within and outside DOC; making referral for additional mental health services (e.g., psychiatric care); and following up as deemed appropriate.
- Evaluate, diagnose, and determine mental health acuity and emotional adjustment as well as treatment needs of incarcerated individuals (including but not limited to the completion of MHA/MHUs, treatment plans, SRAs, etc.).
- Provide direct psychotherapeutic (individual and group) services to incarcerated individuals based upon evidenced-based practices and principles.
- Provide consultation to unit and custody staff with regard to treatment recommendations, precautions, program planning, release planning and management of specific behavior disturbances. Consult and staff cases with the supervisor.
- Follow documentation expectations per policies and standards of care.
Crisis Intervention- Be available for communication from DOC staff and/or incarcerated individuals regarding urgent or emergency mental health situations.
- Provide assessment of the crisis. Plan and execute interventions including follow-up after resolution to assure stability is established. Provide information as needed for continuity of care.
- Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients on suicide watch.
- Complete assessments for recommendation of placement and/or release of patients in restraint beds or chairs.
Supervision- Provide administrative and clinical supervision to Correctional Mental Health Counselor staff. Monitor leave usage and timecard submission.
- Complete supervisory functions, which include completion of Position Descriptions, Performance and Development Plans, and Performance and Development Plan Evaluations.
- Monitor and assess clinical skills based on the Clinical Practice Parameters for the CMHC. This includes routine reviews of clinical documentation such as MHA/MHUs, Treatment Plans, SRAs and Mental Health Encounter Reports. Complete Supervisory Conference Forms to document weekly supervision.
Staff Meetings, Training, Duty Officer and Other Duties as Assigned- Serve as Mental Health Duty Officer on rotation basis and/or as assigned. Actively participate in all clinical in-service meetings and training as assigned.
- Participate in Involuntary Antipsychotic Medication Hearings as designated and appropriate and may provide Annual In-Service Suicide Prevention instruction as designated and appropriate.
- Provide informal education to staff and incarcerated individuals on topics related to the promotion of mental health within the prison and in the community.
- Fulfill other duties as assigned.
Transition and Release - Coordinate and facilitate transition and release needs of incarcerated individuals as assigned. with outside agencies and community services in conjunction with re-entry/release staff.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:- Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC)
- Please see this link to understand the requirements for obtaining a LAAC.
- Must have the ability to apply for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor License within 30 days of hire date.
- *An agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services as part of his or her employment for a recognized agency. Applicants for an agency affiliated counselor credential who apply within 7 days of employment may provide services within the agency for up to 60 days while the Department of Health processes your application.
- Additional consideration may be given for higher level DOH MH licenses.
Preferred Qualifications:- Doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited school or department of Psychology, or Master's degree in Psychology and two years of supervised post-Master's degree experience.
- At least one year of experience working independently and effectively to provide individual and group therapies.
- Experience linking clients with resources within institutions and/or the community.
- Experience working in a collaborative fashion as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Independently held license to practice mental health through Washington State Department of Health; active with no conditions.
Supplemental InformationMission: 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.
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
- 3 days of Bereavement Leave
- 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.
