Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Tacoma Reentry Center

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Corrections Reentry Division is seeking highly motivated and talented individuals for positions of Correctional Officer 1, at the Tacoma Reentry Center (TRC) in Tacoma, WA. The Tacoma Reentry Center is a state-operated facility staffed by the Department of Corrections. This facility operates 24/7 and houses incarcerated individual residents. DOC's mission is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. We lead the nation with innovative and evidence-based practices that are aimed at reducing recidivism and improving public safety. Our employees find this profession both challenging and rewarding as they work together with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to facilitate change in incarcerated individuals' lives. Community corrections staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society. Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society. This job class is designated as in-training. The employee will advance to CO2 after satisfactory completion of the CO1 training requirements. Tacoma Reentry Center is an adult correctional facility in a minimum custody setting. Correctional Officers provide safety and security, and assists in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities of the adult incarcerated individuals within the facility in accordance with established department methods and procedures.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED
Valid Driver's license
One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.
OR One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.

Nice To Haves

Successful candidates for this recruitment would attend the next Training Academy.
On-call staff may have the opportunity to work an average of 32-40 hours per week, although the positions have no minimum hour guarantee.
Incumbents will be required to attend 6 weeks of full-time paid training immediately upon hire and will be considered for full time permanent and/or temporary vacancies as they occur.
All correctional officers, including those in on-call positions, are provided with a benefits package including medical, dental, vision and retirement as well as paid sick leave, holiday pay and paid vacation; provided they work at least 20 hours or more each week.
Correctional Officers must successfully complete Correctional Worker Core (CWC), a six-week academy for all correctional workers employed in DOC prison facilities.
Every DOC employee is provided with initial training designed to help assure safe working conditions and will continue to get on-the-job training throughout their employment.
Prior to a new hire , a background check including criminal history will be conducted.
Employees may work directly with or in close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting.
A pre-employment drug test will be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
The selected candidate will be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.
This position is included in a union shop.
The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to step L in your permanent salary range.
Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards.
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 may retire under two different systems/plans.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.
If you have interest in Correctional Officer jobs in other locations, you may wish to search in all the following counties: Spokane County, Thurston County, Clallam County, Franklin County, Clark County, Mason County, Snohomish County, Grays Harbor County, Pierce County, Walla Walla County, Yakima County, Cowlitz County, King County, and Benton County.

Responsibilities

Maintain security of the Reentry Center and control movement into, out of, and within the Reentry Center in accordance with established department methods and procedures.
Monitor incarcerated individual activities and movement by observing incarcerated individual activity at close range or at a distance and visually monitoring all security areas.
Drive incarcerated individuals to employment, medical appointments/etc.
Monitor incarcerated individuals, visitor, and staff movement by using facility cameras.
Conduct formal and informal counts to account for incarcerated individuals.
Operate communication devices such as two-way radio, telephone, etc., to convey information among personnel and to refer callers to appropriate areas.
Read, understand, and follow Post Orders.
Maintain proper use, control, and accountability of keys, tools, and equipment.
Strictly adhere to established staff safety practices and maintain personal accountability for the safety of self and others.
Actively support and participate in safety and security exercises and drills.
Advise incarcerated individuals concerning rules, regulations, procedures, institution programs, policies, and behavior standards ; investigate and respond to incarcerated individuals' complaints.
Effectively communicate with incarcerated individuals, staff and visitors in routine and emergent situations.
Remain calm and act professionally during all emergent conditions and use appropriate de-escalation skills during stressful situations involving abuse or hostility
Utilize electronic security devices such as radios and body alarms as appropriate and as necessary to ensure the safety of self or others.
Direct resistive and non-resistive incarcerated individuals to maintain the orderly operation of the facility
Use physical and/or deadly force to protect human life.
Serve as a positive role model for other Corrections and Custody Officers and assist in providing on-the-job training.
Monitor completion of the on-the-job training requirements for in-training Corrections and Custody Officers.
Participate in orientation for Reentry Center residents.
Conduct inspections and searches of incarcerated individuals, incarcerated individual's property, incarcerated individual living and program areas, and other areas of the facility.
Conduct inspections and searches of staff and visitors, including personal belongings and vehicles.
Seize dangerous items, evidence, contraband, and controlled or unauthorized substances.
Perform inventory on, account for, and control residents personal and state property.
Write incident or disciplinary reports detailing incarcerated individual behavior and violations of rules and regulations.
Maintain daily activity logs.
Communicate information to supervisors and staff regarding issues and areas of concern.
Brief appropriate staff on pertinent information to make staff aware of current and potential situations that may require action.
Recall detailed observations and write reports regarding occurrences that may require action by the supervisor.
Write incident or disciplinary reports detailing residents’ behavior and violations of rules and regulations.
Maintain daily activity logs.
Conduct Urinalysis and Breathalyzer tests.
Attend classification, reentry, and/or disciplinary meetings.
Perform vehicle safety/maintenance checks.
Schedule vehicle maintenance as required.
Overtime is an essential function of this position.