Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Liaison - PN66 - HQ

Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Liaison Tumwater, WA Project Position Monthly Salary Range: $8,842 to $9,327

The Behavioral Health Mental Health Treatment Liaison is a temporary project position that supports the mission, vision, and values of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) and advances Health Services’ quality assurance, patient safety, and compliance initiatives. This position is established to support statewide implementation of Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5388 and serves as a key member of the HS Quality Assurance Services team. Under the direction of the Quality Assurance Program Director and reporting through the Health Services Administrator within the Quality, Governance, and Accountability team, this position assists in the application of the Department’s behavioral health standards and other related programs. This position supports the application, operationalization and QA assessment of correctional behavioral health standards, protocols, and interpretive guidelines. The position collaborates extensively with DOC leadership, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), multidisciplinary clinical teams, external stakeholders, and facility leadership to promote consistent implementation of behavioral health standards across all Washington State correctional facilities. The Behavioral Health MH Liaison assists with planning, coordinating, application of, and evaluating all phases of the Department’s behavioral health standards, including self-assessments, application activities, monitoring processes, quality assurance initiatives, and ongoing compliance efforts. Responsibilities include conducting research and regulatory analysis; assisting with development of policies, procedures, protocols, educational resources, implementation tools, self-assessment tools, tracking systems, and performance monitoring processes; and supporting statewide readiness. The position develops and delivers educational programs, training materials, implementation guidance, and consultation to clinical staff, facility leadership, and other stakeholders regarding behavioral health standards, application expectations, and compliance requirements. The Behavioral Health MH Liaison serves as a resource and subject matter expert by interpreting standards and clinical expectations, identifying implementation barriers, recommending process improvements, and supporting quality improvement and corrective action planning when needed. The BH MH Treatment Liaison provides subject-matter expertise, clinical consultation and guidance regarding mental health care service standards, treatment expectations, regulatory requirements, and best practices to support consistent application of behavioral health standards across all WA state DOC prison facilities. The MH Behavioral Health Treatment Liaison supports development and refinement of statewide mental health treatment standards designed to ensure the delivery of safe, timely, clinically appropriate, evidence-based behavioral health services for incarcerated individuals. The position promotes consistency in behavioral health practice by ensuring implementation activities aligned with the DOC Health Plan, applicable federal and state laws, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), nationally recognized correctional healthcare standards, accepted standards of clinical practice, and departmental policies. The position collaborates closely with the Quality Improvement Program Director, Quality Improvement Nurses, the BH SUD Liaison, facility behavioral health leadership, Health Services administration, operational leadership, external stakeholders, and DOH partners to ensure successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the Department’s behavioral health standards. This position also supports ongoing collaboration with DOH during application and future monitoring activities and serves as a resource for behavioral health standards interpretation, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement.

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." Provides subject-matter expertise in the field of substance use disorders, assessment and evaluation, counseling and treatment, and transition services to support the planning, implementation, and assessment of correctional standards, protocols, and interpretive guidelines for the Department’s behavioral health standards. Serve as the substance abuse treatment services subject matter expert assisting in the implementation and maintenance of behavioral health standards for corrections. Works with DOH and external stakeholder field experts related to services provided under Department behavioral health to uphold charter identifying objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. Stays abreast of agency policy, protocols, Health Environmental Safety Standards, DOC and other community standards and evidence-based practices to support quality correctional behavioral health treatment services. Participate and co-lead in meetings and quality assurance assessments to ensure assigned corrective action items are completed as expected. Attends SME based workgroups and gatherings that deliver patient care to discuss issues, concerns, and best practices. Provide routine progress reports to summarize progress and identify roadblocks or barriers impacting the completion of the project. Assist in the development of communication and education plans to effectively roll out the new correctional behavioral health standards. Works with DOH and QA team members to build and track BH compliance. Participates in self-evaluation of existing standards and makes recommendations for necessary changes. Participates in planning meetings to support clear and valuable information, working with the Communications team, supervisory chain, DOH and other external stakeholders to Provides training and mentorship to Department staff, educating on standards, processes, protocols, and policy expectations to support successful outcomes and improve patient care. Participates in the facilitation and education related to the development, implementation and maintenance of the Department’s internal survey readiness program to support transparent evaluation and corrections based behavioral health care. Participates in preparatory self-assessments, working with local SMEs to address identified concerns prior to, during, and immediately following DOH assessments. Build curriculum and training materials to facilitate successful learning opportunities for health care staff and their leadership. Provides virtual and onsite training and information sessions as appropriate. Reviews resources related to standards to align staff practices with standards. Coordinates assistance from quality improvement nurses (QIN) to identify corrective action steps and timelines. Provides progress reports monthly or as determined by supervisor. Other duties as assigned Working with other HS teams with high-risk, high-value needs for the division and department. Completes Annual In-Service training on time or early. Support workgroups and project teams as assigned by supervisor. Other duties as assigned. Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Licensed / CERTIFIED Substance Abuse Disorder Counselor
• Experience with Behavioral Health Agency (BHA)WAC requirements, substance abuse disorder treatment services, corrections policy/procedure/protocols, evidence-based practices, and community standards related to substance use disorder treatment in corrections. Experience working in a collaborative fashion as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency using computer-based programs to schedule, monitor and track information, perform data entry and word processing, and communicate via email, as well as. other programs that may be needed to complete assigned work. Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of risk, safety and quality standards.
• Knowledge of NCCHC standards, CMS and DOH expectations, and RCW/WAC requirements for DOC health care
• services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Proficient in auditing medical charts.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• 3 or more years as a DOC Program Specialist 4
• Graduate with a Bachelor of Science from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent.
• NCCHC certification
• Experience conducting audits, including the development of action plans to address identified deficiencies.
• Experience in developing training curriculum.

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:

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 near 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. 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.

• 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 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.

• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

• 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!

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. 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 RECRUITER or call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.