Psychologist 4 -2164 - (WSP)
Salary
$147,036.00 - $197,796.00 Annually
Location
Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
HS-WSP-2026-05245
Department
Dept. of Corrections
Opening Date
07/07/2026
Closing Date
7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Psychologist 4
Washington State Penitentiary (WSP)
Walla Walla, WA
Annual Salary Range: $147,036-$197,796
Current Available Shift:
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Psychologist 4 at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) located in Walla Walla, WA.
The mission of the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP Health Services is: "To provide medical, dental, and mental health services consistent with the provisions of Washington Department of Correction's (WA DOC) Health Plan."
This position provides and supervises the provision of Mental Health (MH) assessment and treatment services performed at WSP, in accordance with DOC Policy and the WA DOC Health Plan.
The Psychologist in this position supervises master's level clinicians in the delivery of Mental Health Services throughout the institution including but not limited to WSP's General Population (GP) Units, Residential Treatment Unit, Intensive Management Units and Close Observation Area.
This position carries out psycho-diagnostic testing, assess/evaluates patients and then documents findings. This position leads and participates in clinical staffing's for mentally ill health incarcerated individual's and assists in determining program needs, at times coordinating with custody on individualized Behavior Management Plans.
This position participates in formal clinical oversight according to the Facility and DOH Health Services clinical oversight structure, and the clinical process with be included in the performance expectations of the PDP for the staff member in this position. This position works alongside other Psychologist and health Services Manager 2 for Mental Health to provide visionary leadership, program development and implementation at Washington State Penitentiary.
Walla Walla is known for its world-class wineries. With more than 100 wineries representing a wide range of varieties, it doesnt take long to see why. It is also known for its agriculture producing wheat, asparagus, strawberries and the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. For more information visit, www.wallawalla.org.
Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is a 2000 bed facility for high and medium custody men. It is located just outside the city, farms and vineyards of Walla Walla. Four separate facilities exist within the institution, each of which houses a different custody level of Incarcerated individuals. WSP is currently engaged in major facility construction, replacing old facilities with newer high custody housing units. WSP has just opened a new stand-alone health care building with inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health care and a six-chair dental operatory.
If you've read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include and is REQUIRED:
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 vacant positions."
Duties
In this role you will:
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Possession of a current license to practice psychology in the state of Washington.
1 year of post-doctoral psychology experience.
At least 1 year of experience working independently and effectively to develop resource linking client need with resources within institutions and/ or the community.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
PH. D or Psy. D in Clinical Psychology, Licensed as a Psychologist in the State of Washington, Advanced training in the use of forensic tools.
Three years of Post-doctoral Psychology experience, including one year of experience supervising mental health staff.
Three years experience providing psychological services in a correctional setting.
Supplemental Information
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:
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.
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.
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 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!
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 kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.govor 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
How many years experience do you possess working independently and effectively to develop resources linking client needs with resources withing institutions and/or the community?
02
How many years of post-doctoral psychology experience do you have?
03
Do you have post-doctorate work experience supervising other professional psychologists?
04
Do you have a valid license to practice psychology in the state of Washington?
05
If you do not have a valid license to practice psychology in Washington State, do you have a license to practice psychology in another state that is temporarily transferable to Washington State until you successfully pass the jurisprudence exam within acceptable time frames?
06
Have you ever had any action taken against your professional license?
07
If yes, please briefly explain the action and outcome.
08
Please tell us where you heard about this position. Check all that apply.
09
If you selected Professional Association, Medical Website/Career Center or Other, please indicate the source.
10
If Hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
11
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)
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
| Location | Walla Walla, WA |
| Salary | $147,036–$197,796 Per Year |