Community Corrections Officer 2 (Or CCO1 In-Training) - Bellingham

State of Washington • Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Corrections is recruiting a full-time, permanent Community Corrections Officer 2 (CCO2) for the Community Corrections Division’s Bellingham Field Office. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be appointed directly as a CCO2 or as a CCO1 with a one-year in-training plan. Successful completion of the CCO1 training requirements advances the employee to CCO2; permanent status is attained at the CCO2 level after completion of the applicable trial service period.

The position supports the Department’s mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives. The officer works with internal and external stakeholders to supervise individuals under agency jurisdiction, promote accountability, and support safe reentry into the community. Supervision includes assessment, intervention, case management, enforcement, and connecting individuals with appropriate community resources. The role may involve working directly with or near supervised individuals in a potentially hazardous setting and requires carrying and using a department-issued firearm.

The position is based at 1400 N. Forest Street, Bellingham, Washington. The stated schedule is 0800–1700, Monday through Friday. Salary depends on qualifications: the listed monthly ranges are $4,880–$6,563 for CCO1 and $5,948–$7,994 for CCO2; the minimum starting salary for a CCO1 placement begins at Step G ($5,659 per month).

Requirements

• Meet one CCO1 education and experience pathway: high school diploma or GED plus at least four years of qualifying experience; associate or technical degree plus two years of qualifying experience; bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination totaling four years. Qualifying fields include adult or juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
• For CCO1, demonstrate through college-level coursework or experience the abilities in at least three listed areas: written communication, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, conflict resolution, situational awareness, problem solving, organizational skills, working independently, and flexibility.
• Meet one CCO2 education and experience pathway: one year as a Washington DOC Community Corrections Officer; associate or technical degree plus three years of qualifying professional experience; bachelor’s degree plus one year of qualifying professional experience; or an equivalent combination totaling five years. Qualifying fields include adult or juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
• For CCO2, demonstrate through college-level coursework or professional work experience the abilities in at least three listed areas, including field visits; written correspondence and reports; case assessment and recommendations; referrals to resources; court or hearing presentations; risk assessments; treatment plans; official records and progress tracking; case management decisions; computer and software use; caseload management; community-resource identification; communication with participants and stakeholders; and independent and collaborative work.
• Have the ability to carry and properly use a department-issued firearm.
• Possess and maintain an unrestricted vehicle operator’s license valid in Washington State.
• Be willing and able to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and antisocial behaviors, review graphic materials, and remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision.
• Complete a felony disclosure form and pass a criminal background check.
• Complete and pass the psychological screening, including the battery exam and psychological interview/evaluation.
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and agency policy.
• Complete employee orientation and mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training within mandated timeframes.
• Become familiar with and comply with Department policies, procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Successfully complete Firearms Academy and Control/Impedance Tactics training within prescribed timeframes; remain legally eligible to possess and use a firearm; maintain firearm, intermediate-force, and CIT qualifications; and complete required requalification training and annual criminal-history clearance.
• Qualifying higher education must be from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, or be a foreign equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Supervise individuals ordered to community supervision in accordance with Washington State law, Interstate Compact rules and regulations, agency policy, and prescribed timeframes.
• Conduct investigations and searches, issue warrants, and make arrests.
• Complete intake and administer risk, needs, and substance-abuse assessments.
• Manage electronic and hardcopy files and reports.
• Engage supervised individuals using communication strategies, Motivational Interviewing, and Principles of Effective Interventions to encourage positive change and manage behavior.
• Enforce supervision conditions and the law.
• Prepare accurate written documentation and provide oral testimony; make appropriate sanction recommendations for courts and hearings.
• Identify, collect, document, process, and maintain evidence and information, ensuring proper chain of custody and storage.
• Follow Department policies and procedures for the maintenance, security, handling, and discharge of department-issued firearms.
• Maintain required safety and security measures when armed and contacting supervised individuals outside the office, including wearing a safety vest as required by policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Retirement plan through Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS); some DOC positions are covered by the Public Safety Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 14–25 paid vacation days per year, depending on years of service and applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month.
• 12 paid holidays per year, including one personal holiday.
• One personal leave day per year, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED