Program Specialist 4 - Olympia, United States - State of Washington

Description

Please Note:
COVID Vaccine requirement for DOC employment NO LONGER REQUIRED

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking multiple highly motivated and qualified individual for a Program Specialist - SOR-III Reentry 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 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 b)), specialized training, DOH certification, and application of the DOC 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 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
• A cover letter
• Transcripts
• 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.

• Independently conducts American Society of Additions Medicine (ASAM)/Diagnostic Service Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5) substance use disorder assessments utilizing DOC Substance Use Disorder Assessment for individuals identified through OMNI as having a current or past history of opiate and/or stimulant use. Reports substance use disorder assessment outcomes to the statewide CS4 Supervisor and/or the SARU Opioid Grant Manager and documents outcomes in the secured access OMNI Program and SharePoint.
• The Reentry SUD Assessment Specialist independently completes the DOC SUD Assessment for all identified qualified and program participating individuals housed or supervised in the identified facilities.
• The incumbent carefully examines criminal/substance use and treatment history, police reports, infraction history, pre-sentence investigation and other relevant documents.
• The incumbent must correctly identify the correct ASAM level of care placement that accurately represents each qualified individual. The above information is examined and a multi-dimensional/complex scoring instrument which requires expert level interpretation is utilized to assess estimated risk for re-offend.
• The Reentry SUD Assessment Specialist must utilize critical thinking while maintaining fidelity to ASAM patient placement criteria and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders.
• The Reentry SUD Assessment Specialist utilizes critical thinking and subject matter expertise to accurately, reliably and consistently produce valid assessment results.
• The Reentry SUD Assessment Specialist also serves as a statewide substance abusetreatment program expert in the use of the DOC Substance Use Disorder Assessment.
• Upon completion of the DOC 14-040, the Reentry SUD Assessment Specialist enters the assessment results in OMNI and maintains documentation of the scoring decisions and rationale.
• Staff participants assessment results and service needs with PS3 SOR-Case Manager, CS4 supervisor, and Community Corrections Officers as needed.
• Enter assessment summary data into protected OMNI screens and SharePoint
• Complete clinical notes utilizing clear and concise skills.
• Submit Electronic Blue Files to Central Repository within 24 hours of service.
• Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders for re-entry services in the local community by coordinating working relationships with community providers and the Department of Corrections SARU.
• Ensure placement into community services to include medication for opioid use disorders(MOUD), detox, and inpatient/outpatient SUD treatment.
• Referral to SOR-PS3 Case Manager for enrollment in healthcare plans if needed, community referrals for infectious disease testing including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other related diseases to which IV drug users are at high risk for exposure.
• Works with confinement facility healthcare staff to increase likelihood that the individual's care includes a medical response to OUD and/or SUD withdrawal management symptomology while in confinement or in the community.
• Reviews with the individual, the SUD/MOUD options located in respective communities of community supervision.
• Collaborates with the SOR-PS3 Case Manager on community referrals and resources to reduce barriers to treatment engagement.
• Prepares and maintains tracking reports and outcome summaries using computerized databases.
• Utilizes the SARU and DOC Offender Management Networks Information (OMNI) datasystems to independently review qualified individuals for re-entry assessment services.
• Prepares, maintains records and report data outcomes daily (on SharePoint Documents.)
• Generates budget reimbursement requests for travel and/or office supplies expense, to be approved by CS-4 supervisors.
• Provides re-entry planning to ensure re-entry services for qualified individuals that are consistent with programs statewide.
• Implements specialized SUD Assessment/Screening protocols for overdose preventionresponse planning.
• Serves as a liaison with assigned facility site, CCO's, and other DOC personnel,
• Manages effective use of resources, resolving potential conflict.
• Other duties as assigned by CS-4 supervisor and/or SARU Opioid Grant Manager.

Required Qualifications:

• Associates 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.
• Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in Washington State).
• Two years experience working with criminal justice involved individuals or one year experience with prisons and/or community corrections-based standards and rules.
• Ability to work independently and within a team while exercising good judgment and promoting positive working relationships with supervised individuals, staff, and stakeholders.
• Possession of good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college whose accreditation is recognized by he US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent.
• Three years experience working with evidenced-based treatment delivery practices.
• Two years experience using OMNI, SharePoint, and other tracking systems.
• Two years experience with working with criminal justice involved population and/or working in a department of corrections environment.

Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application:

• The Department of Corrections defines a professional reference 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.
• Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

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
• Deferred Compensation and so much more

Additional Information:

• The mission of DOC is to improve public safety. For additional information about the agency, please visit
• 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 in close proximity to 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.
• 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 of the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment.
• 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 to learn more.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
• 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 and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.

Our Mission:
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.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess the following 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.

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 diversity, 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 or call at For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or