Director of Behavioral Health - 0419 - HQ
Salary $138,941.00 - $168,433.00 Annually
Location Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type Full Time - Permanent
Job Number HS-HQ-2026-02305
Department Dept. of Corrections
Division HS - HQ
Opening Date 03/17/2026
Closing Date 3/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits Questions
Description
Director of Behavioral Health
WA State Department of Corrections
Tumwater, WA.
Annual salary: $138,941 to 168,433
The Director of Behavioral Health is the highest-level Psychologist in the Department of Corrections (DOC) and is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, clinically appropriate, and timely mental health treatment services to the entire DOC population. This position designs and implements the behavioral health service delivery model consistent with the DOC Health Plan and all applicable policies.
As the agency expert in correctional behavioral health care, the incumbent ensures services comply with relevant laws and meet or exceed community standards of care. DOC is an industry leader in specialized health services, including gender affirming care and traumatic brain injury services, supporting individuals with both acute and chronic behavioral health needs. This position collaborates closely with other Health Services leaders to design and implement an integrated model of care, such as a Patient Centered Medical Home model.
The incumbent serves as the agency leader for the design and delivery of a comprehensive behavioral health system. This includes both strategic and operational decision-making to ensure effective management of services for individuals with behavioral health needs. The Director ensures that behavioral health staff provide services in accordance with agency policy and the DOC Health Plan and designates a Mental Health Lead for each facility.
The incumbent provides clinical and administrative guidance to Regional Chief Psychologists, the facility Mental Health Leads, and frontline Mental Health staff to support effective management of services at each facility. They are a partner to the Chief of Psychiatry. Decisions regarding hiring, contracting, and evaluation of these clinical leaders are shared with the respective appointing authorities.
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 applicants advantage to apply as early as possible. "This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions."
Duties
Vision, Design, and Implementation of a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Program
In collaboration with behavioral health leadership and other key leaders, design and refine the model of care for individuals receiving behavioral health services within DOC. This model includes integration with other Health Services disciplines under a Patient Centered Medical Home framework.
Develop and implement a statewide plan for operationalizing the model of care through facility behavioral health leaders.
Make final clinical treatment decisions when necessary.
Chair Care Review Committees to determine levels of care and treatment recommendations.
Serve as the DOC subject matter expert in behavioral health system design internally and externally, including legislative hearings, litigation, and committee presentations.
Build and maintain a network of support and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Policy and Protocol Management
Develop, write, and update all mental health-related policies and protocols, including: 630.500 Mental Health Services, 630.550 Suicide Prevention and Response, 630.540 Involuntary Medication Administration, and 320.265 Close Observation Areas.
Provide subject matter expertise for related policies, including 610.040 Health Screenings and Assessments and 610.010 Patient Consent for Health Care, and other behavioral health-related policies.
Ensure agency behavioral health policies align with relevant case law and professional and ethical standards.
Policies will ensure:
Appropriate screening to identify individuals with behavioral health needs and suicide risk.
Timely assessments and individualized treatment plans consistent with agency policy.
Evidence-based scope and modalities of care aligned with national standards and supported by clinical supervision and continuous quality improvement.
Develop and approve behavioral health training curriculum for agency staff.
Ensure staff across the system receive appropriate training and support to deliver effective behavioral health services.
Monitor program data to ensure services and resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Clinical Oversight of Behavioral Health Services
Oversee quality assurance practices across all facilities.
Ensure clinical oversight of all behavioral health staff.
Report clinical events and practice concerns to the Department of Health when appropriate.
Ensure all behavioral health providers are appropriately credentialed.
Determine clinical privileges for behavioral health providers.
Qualifications
Required Experience, and Competencies:
Initial and ongoing unencumbered licensure as a Psychologist in the State of Washington.
Minimum five years of progressive experience as a licensed Psychologist, including demonstrated leadership and management of behavioral health programs and professionals, preferably in correctional or forensic settings.
Strong interpersonal skills, operational management experience, and strategic planning expertise.
Demonstrated program and system design capability.
Knowledge of service delivery systems aligned with external regulatory standards.
Knowledge of applicable RCWs, WACs, collective bargaining agreements, and DOC policy related to the treatment and management of individuals with behavioral health conditions in correctional and community settings.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:
PhD/PsyD Degree in Psychology or related field from a university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Demonstrated progressive supervisory experience with leadership of Behavioral Health providers.
2 years of experience within Washington Department of Corrections in leadership positions sufficient to understand Agency goals, metrics, performance, procedures, relationships, and process flows.
3 years of experience with corrections and/or forensic population or staff care.
Experience with personnel management systems.
Experience with budget execution and knowledge of methods to maintain responsible fiscal management.
Experience with union negotiations and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Experience with legislative stakeholders and external community stakeholders relevant to corrections leadership.
Competence with crucial conversations, demonstrating emotional intelligence, and creating a psychologically safe and productive team.
Supplemental Information
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.
Peoples 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 peoples success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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.
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.
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 peoples 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!
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
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 kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-907-7808
For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026 01
Do you possess an initial and ongoing unencumbered licensure as a Psychologist in the State of Washington? Yes No
02 Please list your Psychologist license number and state issued
03 Do you possess a minimum five years of progressive experience as a licensed Psychologist, including demonstrated leadership and management of behavioral health programs and professionals, preferably in correctional or forensic settings? Yes No
04 Do you possess strong interpersonal skills, operational management experience, and strategic planning expertise? Yes No
05 Do you possess demonstrated program and system design capability? Yes No
06 Do you possess the knowledge of service delivery systems aligned with external regulatory standards? Yes No
07 Do you possess the knowledge of applicable RCWs, WACs, collective bargaining agreements, and DOC policy related to the treatment and management of individuals with behavioral health conditions in correctional and community settings? Yes No
08 Do you possess a PhD/PsyD Degree in Psychology or related field from a university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)? Yes No
09 Do you possess demonstrated progressive supervisory experience with leadership of Behavioral Health providers? Yes No
10 Do you possess a min. of 2 years of experience within Washington Department of Corrections in leadership positions sufficient to understand Agency goals, metrics, performance, procedures, relationships, and process flows? Yes No
11 Do you possess a min. of 3 years of experience with corrections and/or forensic population or staff care? Yes No
12 Do you possess experience with personnel management systems? Yes No
13 Do you possess experience with budget execution and knowledge of methods to maintain responsible fiscal management? Yes No
14 Do you possess experience with union negotiations and the Collective Bargaining Agreement? Yes No
15 Do you possess experience with legislative stakeholders and external community stakeholders relevant to corrections leadership? Yes No
16 Do you possess competence with crucial conversations, demonstrating emotional intelligence, and creating a psychologically safe and productive team? Yes No
17 Do you possess competence with the application and demonstrated outcomes using Lean management systems? Yes No
18 3100 - Are you a current DOC employee? Yes No
19 3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity? Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com Indeed DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) Job/career fair Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder) WorkSource Veteran outreach Referral from current DOC employee Other
20 3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents) Yes No
21 3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future? Yes No
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov