Psychiatric Evaluation Specialist - Jail Health Services

Psychiatric Evaluation Specialist - Jail Health Services

Salary

$50.47 - $63.98 Hourly

Location

King County Correctional Facility - 500 5th Ave, Seattle, WA

Job Type

Career Service (Exec)

Job Number

2026SMD27615

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Jail Health Services

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

D1 : WSCCCE L21HD-DPH

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

Public Health - Seattle & King County is seeking two (2) Psychiatric Evaluation Specialists (PES) to provide mental status/diagnostic evaluations and related evidence-based interventions, suicide risk assessment, and mental health treatment planning for jail resident-patients within the Jail Health Services division. Incumbents will monitor resident-patients throughout their incarceration and may provide both individual and group treatment to improve the overall functioning of the resident-patient. Additionally, to assist in more streamlined continuity of care, incumbents will ensure appropriate referral to diversion or treatment and may provide testimony in court (ITA) regarding residents-patients.

The PES will make psychiatric housing decisions and refer residents to community mental health providers or into involuntary treatment, as needed. Responsibilities will also include performing chart review / triage functions, providing training on areas of expertise, consultation with other professions, community outreach and engagement, and participating in ongoing process improvement efforts within King County Public Health and Jail Health Services.

Background

Jail Health Services (JHS) Division provides needed health and social services to the incarcerated population located in the King County jails - King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle, WA and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent, WA. The primary services we provide include medical, dental, mental health, social and release planning services, treatment of substance use disorders, and pharmaceutical services. We care about the patients we serve and their health outcomes. Our division includes over 250 employees and an annual budget of over $60 million.

The purpose of JHS is to assure that high-quality health and human services are available to the incarcerated population in the King County adult correctional facilities: the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent. The JHS vision is Opening doors to healthier, happier lives, and the mission is to assess and stabilize serious health problems for the detained population of the King County Correctional Facility and the Maleng Regional Justice Center with a focus on transition from jail.

Staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, JHS provides a broad range of health care to all individuals booked into the jails. For patients with serious mental health or medical conditions, special housing units (psychiatric and infirmary) along with a higher level of services and medical monitoring are provided. Since the patient population varies both in numbers as well as in acuity of health conditions, staffing is adapted and flexed to meet the constantly changing needs of the population.

JHS staff manage the complex health needs of underserved populations, many of whom come to the facility without access to care in the community and with decompensated acute and chronic health conditions.

Note: This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies that may occur over the next six months.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Schedule

Typical work schedule for this position is 40 hours per week which may include some evening and weekend coverage (evening coverage and weekend coverage is evenly divided amongst team members; team provides coverage daily from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm). Typically, each PES closes one shift per week, and approximately 10-12 weekend shifts per year (Saturdays primarily).

Work Location

Primary work location will be based at the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) located at 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 and secondary location will be based at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) located at 401 Fourth Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

This position is posted as open until filled. First review will be conducted of applications received by July 28th at 11:59 pm PST.

Job Duties

• Initiate psychiatric assessments; conduct formal diagnostic assessment in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5); provide evidence based individual and group therapeutic intervention based on the specific psychiatric needs of the resident-patient; identify medical conditions and make referrals to medical professionals, chronic mental illness, developmental disability, suicide-risk and depressed inmates; determine need for involuntary treatment; develop a treatment plan; and provide witness testimony regarding patients presentation and behavior.
• Assess substance dependence, abuse, intoxication, withdrawal, and other substance-related disorders. Provide brief interventions and refer appropriately for longer term care.
• Conduct case management and follow up.
• Work with Release Planners to ensure continuity of care and referral to community mental health services.
• Make psychiatric housing decisions within the jail; assess need for additional intervention and mental status evaluations and provide additional intervention(s) when needed; and track resident-patients progression through the legal system.
• Develop mental health treatment plans; communicate and coordinate care with Psychiatric Providers and other JHS staff; act as liaison between the resident-patient, correctional staff and courts to ensure diversion or release for appropriate treatment.
• Lead regularly scheduled unit meetings to review cases and utilization of various treatment approaches.
• Provide in-service training to all health and corrections staff on various areas of expertise, including suicide prevention.
• Attend various community organizational meetings as representative of JHS and provide training on the operations and services of JHS.
• Review charts and evaluations performed by psychiatric hospital personnel and develop treatment plans and/or refer accordingly.
• Act as consultant to other disciplines (including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention; DAJD) and professions on the presentation of mental illness in a correctional setting.
• Perform release interviews with resident-patients and refer them to a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) for additional evaluation, if necessary.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):

• Masters or Doctoral degree in psychology, social work, clinical counseling, or a related field, from an accredited university.
• Independent licensure as a psychologist, mental health counselor, clinical independent social worker, marriage and family therapist or recognized alternate licensure.

The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired):

• Working knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
• Working knowledge and past experience with evidence-based practices for mood, psychotic, and personality disorders.
• Working knowledge of the principles of behavior and motivation.
• Working knowledge of psychiatric medication.
• Knowledge of the Washington State Criminal Code, rules of court procedure and legal definition of competency.
• Knowledge of community mental health resources and criteria for providing services.
• Working knowledge of personality disorders and malingering and how to differentiate these from other psychiatric disorders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Suicide-risk assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform psychological and behavioral interventions.
• Demonstrated skill in defusing hostile or violent behavior.
• Demonstrated ability to perform evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of resident-patients.
• Demonstrated ability to detect the signs, symptoms and behavioral effects of depression, mental illness and poly-substance chemical dependency.
• Demonstrated skill in gathering clinical and psychiatric data to establish a diagnosis.
• Demonstrated skill in gathering and interpreting court and law enforcement records pertaining to a particular inmate-patients case.
• Demonstrated skill in determining an inmate-patients competency to participate in legal proceedings.
• Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, African Languages, or Chinese Languages.
• Experience working in correctional facilities and/or inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
• Experience working with electronic medical record systems.
• Experience working on continuous process improvement systems.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply

This is a full-time Career Service position and is open to all qualified candidates.

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• NEOGOV Job Application - The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process.
• Supplemental Questions - The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process.
• Resume - Your resume should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process.
• Cover letter - Please share why you are interested in this position and any aspects of your education, training, and/or experience that you feel make you a highly qualified candidate for this position.

(Please note: additional attachments will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process if not outlined as a required application material as outlined above).

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Contact

If you have questions or would like more information about the application process, please contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at sduckworth@kingcounty.gov.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR.
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre-employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Additional Information

Public Health - Jail Health Services follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:

• Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution.
• Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or,
• Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

Additionally, PREA standards require that the department consider any incidents of sexual harassment involving an inmate or detainee in determining whether or not to hire or promote anyone.

The above is in compliance with PREA and its implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 115, Subpart A, Section 115.17, Hiring and Promotion Decisions.

Union Membership

This position is represented by WSCCCE L21HD-DPH labor union.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

Have you earned a Masters or Doctoral Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Clinical Counseling, or a related field from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate certification or licensure, which you possess for the State of Washington. If you indicated other licensure/certification, please describe (Check all that apply.)

• Licensed Psychologist
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Licensed Mental Health Professional
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
• Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP)
• Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee (CDPt)
• Other (Please Describe)
• None

03

If you selected "other" to the question above, please provide the type of licensure. If you did not answer other to the question above, please type N/A.

04

Please provide a detailed description of your experience performing psychiatric assessments / mental status examinations and conducting formal diagnostic testing in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-V). If you do not have this experience, then type N/A.

05

Please provide a detailed description of your experience working with evidence-based treatment modalities. Please include a description of the intervention type, diagnosis/disability/symptom for which the intervention was used with outcome, and population with whom the intervention was used. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

06

Please provide your experience working with patients with serious mental illness, including assessment for developmental disability and risk of harm to self and/or others. As part of your answer, please include agency name(s), the span of time, and the scope of your responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, then type N/A.

07

Please provide a detailed description of your experience assessing the need for involuntary treatment. If you do not have this experience, then type N/A.

08

Please provide a detailed description of your experience developing / implementing treatment plans. If you do not have this experience, then type N/A.

09

Do you have experience providing testimony in a judicial setting regarding a patients presentation and behavior?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have experience working in correctional facilities and/or psychiatric hospitals?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have experience working with electronic medical record systems?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing and able to work at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle and the Regional Justice Center in Kent, as assigned?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you willing and able to work schedules which require evening and weekend hours?

• Yes
• No

14

Please indicate languages other than English in which you have some degree of oral proficiency? (Please put N/A if none.)

15

Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

16

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone 206-477-3404

Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/