Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Tacoma Reentry Center

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Corrections is hiring Correctional Officers 1 (CO1) at the Tacoma Reentry Center in Tacoma, Washington. The facility is an adult correctional center in a minimum-custody setting that operates 24/7 and houses incarcerated residents. Officers provide safety and security and control, direct, and monitor residents’ activities in accordance with department procedures. The job class is designated as in-training; employees advance to CO2 after satisfactorily completing CO1 training requirements. The recruitment may also be used to fill on-call positions and other vacancies. On-call employees may have the opportunity to work an average of 32–40 hours per week, with no minimum-hours guarantee, and must attend six weeks of full-time paid training immediately upon hire. On-call employees may be considered for full-time permanent or temporary vacancies as they arise. The role involves direct contact or close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Officers must complete the six-week Correctional Worker Core academy and receive ongoing on-the-job training. Overtime is an essential function. The work and required training can be physically demanding. Hiring includes a background check and pre-employment drug test; the successful candidate must also provide proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days of hire and meet applicable respiratory-protection evaluation, fit-testing, training, and use requirements. CO1 applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. CO2 applicants must additionally have either one year as a DOC Corrections and Custody Officer, including successful completion of the CORE academy and Correctional Officer Field Training Program, or one year as a correctional officer in adult or juvenile corrections performing security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2. The posting lists full-time CO1 pay of $5,523–$5,948 and on-call hourly pay of $31.74–$34.18. For CO2, it lists full-time pay of $6,407–$7,243 and on-call hourly pay of $36.82–$41.63. Salary is based on experience and determined when a final offer is made. Employees working at least 20 hours per week are provided medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, along with paid sick leave, holiday pay, and paid vacation. The posting also describes state employee benefits including vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, retirement, flexible spending accounts, and dependent-care assistance.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Valid driver’s license.
For CO2 qualification: one year of experience as a DOC Corrections and Custody Officer, including successful completion of the CORE academy and Correctional Officer Field Training Program; or one year as a correctional officer in adult or juvenile corrections performing security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2.
Successfully complete Correctional Worker Core, a six-week academy, and required in-training and on-the-job training.
Ability to meet the physical demands of correctional officer work and required training.
Successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug test.
Provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days of hire.
Complete required respirator medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as applicable.
Provide at least three professional references, including email addresses and phone numbers.

Responsibilities

Maintain facility security and control movement into, out of, and within the Reentry Center.
Observe and monitor residents’ activities and movement, including through facility cameras and visual monitoring of security areas.
Transport residents to employment, medical appointments, and other destinations.
Conduct formal and informal counts of residents.
Use radios, telephones, body alarms, and other communication or electronic security devices to convey information and support safety.
Read, understand, and follow post orders; maintain accountability and proper control of keys, tools, and equipment.
Follow staff safety practices and participate in safety and security exercises and drills.
Explain rules, procedures, programs, policies, and behavior standards to residents; investigate and respond to complaints.
Communicate effectively with residents, staff, and visitors in routine and emergency situations; remain professional and use de-escalation skills during stressful situations.
Direct resistant and non-resistant residents to maintain orderly facility operations; use physical or deadly force to protect human life when necessary.
Serve as a positive role model and assist with on-the-job training; monitor completion of training requirements for in-training officers.
Participate in resident orientation.
Inspect and search residents, their property and living or program areas, other facility areas, staff, visitors, personal belongings, and vehicles.
Seize dangerous items, evidence, contraband, and controlled or unauthorized substances.
Inventory, account for, and control residents’ personal property and state property.
Write incident and disciplinary reports, maintain daily activity logs, recall and report relevant observations, and brief supervisors and staff about concerns or situations requiring action.
Conduct urinalysis and Breathalyzer tests.
Attend classification, reentry, and disciplinary meetings.
Perform vehicle safety and maintenance checks and schedule maintenance as required.