Department of Corrections
Posted September 15, 2009
Director of Behavioral Health
SALARY: $85,638 to $104,368 annually
Working Time: Full-time
LOCATION: Tumwater, WA
OPENS: August 28, 2009
CLOSES: Open until filled
Health Services Division
Health care services are provided to offenders by on-site health care staff which includes medical, dental, behavioral health (including mental health care and chemical dependency treatment). The Department of Corrections (DOC) assures that health care providers have the necessary licenses or certifications to practice in Washington State.
The Department has several options for providing mental health care to those who require treatment. All major institutions can provide temporary or short-term in-patient psychiatric care for crisis management and stabilization. Professional mental health staff, including psychologists and psychiatrists is available to meet with offenders and conduct psychological and psychiatric evaluations. Staff may also provide individual and group therapy.
Agency Profile
The Department of Corrections, as a partner in the criminal justice system, enhances public safety, administers criminal sanctions and programs in accordance with the law, and provides leadership for the future of corrections in Washington State.
The mission of DOC is to improve public safety.
The Department consists of the Office of the Secretary, Prisons Division, Community Corrections Division, Government, Community Relations & Regulatory Compliance Division, Administrative Services Division, Offender Treatment & Re-Entry Programs Division, and Health Services Department. The Department employs over 8,100 staff and has a biennial budget of approximately $1.8 billion. The FY10 Mental Health Budget is $22,930,824. There are 155.5 FTE’s in the facilities and 10 at our headquarters located in Tumwater, WA. For additional information about the Department of Corrections, please visit www.doc.wa.gov.
Position Objective
The DOC Health Services Division is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic leader for the executive role of Director of Behavioral Health. This position is responsible for directing the statewide behavioral health programs and services, including mental health, psychiatry, and dangerous mentally ill offenders.
Responsibilities
- Directs the development and implementation of the parts of the strategic plan that relate to behavioral health; including recommending changes in behavioral health organizational structure and programs.
- Responsible for developing behavioral health policies/procedures and evaluate mechanisms to ensure consistency with the law and other standards.
- In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, build a network of resources to support and improve the provisions of mental behavioral health services, and the transitioning of behaviorally disordered offenders to the community.
- Works in collaboration with others to ensure staff and resources are in place to provide offenders with appropriate and timely behavioral health services consistent with established standards.
- Ensure that processes are established for the clinical oversight of other behavioral health staff. Establishes measureable outcomes for the behavioral health program. Ensures that quality improvement processes are developed and implemented statewide.
- Lead DOC efforts to improve recruitment and retention of qualified mental health providers. Develops and implements staff training.
- Creates a work environment that values high ethical standards, emphasizes safe, high quality behavioral health care, nurtures teamwork and encourages activities which lead to continuous improvement.
Required Education, Experience, and Desirable Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
- Master’s Degree in behavioral health related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education and the council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Experience in the direct provision of behavioral health services including knowledge and experience in a forensic or correctional setting.
- Five years experience managing complex mental health service delivery systems including inpatient and outpatient as well as overall budget, policy and HR responsibility. Experience in a governmental setting preferred.
- Possess strong interpersonal skills, experience in directing behavioral health operations, strategic and operational planning, budget planning and monitoring, and strong system/program design.
- Possess strong data analysis skills and knowledge of related computer systems.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of individuals ranging from correctional administrator and staff, health care professionals to patient advocates and other laypersons.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, email a letter of interest detailing how your experience makes you a good fit for this role along with your resume to Jamie Robinson at jerobinson@doc1.wa.gov. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. You may also apply online:
Current State Employees
Login and Apply
1.) Go to www.careers.wa.gov 2.) Click on state employee. 3.) If you’ve forgotten your password, click on “Get Support” 4.) Click on state employee login. 5.) Enter user ID 8 digit personnel number. 6.) Click on “My Career” tab at the upper portion of the page. 7.) Click on the “Apply Directly” and enter the following reference code: 18665* then click on Apply.
Unregistered Users
Register Now and Apply
1.) Go to www.careers.wa.gov 2). Click on “interested in a state career.” 3.) Click on “Register Now.” 4.) Follow instructions to register. 5.) Click on Build Profile and follow the process by completing your work history, education, etc. 6.) Go back to start page and click on “Apply Directly” and enter the following reference code: 18665* then click on Apply.
If you have any questions concerning this process contact: 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960