Corrections Specialist 4 | Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

State of Washington•King County – Auburn, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a skilled and empathetic facilitator to support individuals in developing the skills needed for successful reentry and a safer community as a Corrections Specialist 4 (CS4)! As part of the Reentry Division, the goal of this position is to deliver CBI courses with fidelity helping participants recognizing patterns and thinking behaviors, practice new skills, and make choices that support lasting change. The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) Corrections Specialist facilitates evidence-based CBI programs for incarcerated individuals, providing professional assessment, evaluation, and program delivery. Working collaboratively with DOC staff throughout the case management process, this position helps participants develop cognitive self-change skills, strengthen social abilities, improve problem-solving, and make positive behavioral changes that support successful reentry and reduce recidivism. If you are passionate about meaningful behavior change and helping individuals build a successful path forward, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education. AND Three years as a Community Corrections Officer within the Washington State Department of Corrections OR Three years of professional case management experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field which includes at least three of the following: Making field visits Writing reports Assessing cases and making recommendations Referring people to appropriate resources Presenting cases in court or hearings AND Six months experience facilitating CBI programs or professional experience in training or teaching equivalent to three full-time years.
OR An Associate’s degree from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education. AND Five years as a Community Corrections Officer within the Washington State Department of Corrections OR Five years of professional case management experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field which includes at least three of the following: Making field visits Writing reports Assessing cases and making recommendations Referring people to appropriate resources Presenting cases in court or hearings AND Six months experience facilitating CBI programs or professional experience in training or teaching equivalent to three full-time years.
OR High school diploma, GED, or equivalency AND Seven (7) years of professional case management experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field which includes at least three of the following: Making field visits Writing reports Assessing cases and making recommendations Referring people to appropriate resources Presenting cases in court or hearings AND Six months experience facilitating CBI programs or professional experience in training or teaching equivalent to three full-time years
Professional case management includes activities such as: assessment of risk factors; designing, monitoring, and/or facilitating treatment plans; determining and making referrals to appropriate (chemical dependency, substance abuse, family counseling, job training assistance, etc.); maintaining official records and tracking client progress/compliance; and assisting individuals who are unable to independently access support systems or community resources such as those providing food, clothing, or monetary assistance and shelter.
A Master’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, or closely related field will substitute for one year of the required professional case management experience.
Demonstrated competency in the following areas (competency may be gained through education, experience, or a combination thereof): Facilitator Skills - Demonstrates empathy, facilitation/teaching techniques, understanding of group processes and interpersonal interactions, and the ability to control a group of individual participants through non-coercive means.
Community Relationships - Participates in the formation and maintenance of successful relationships with criminal justice partners and community resources.
Observation - Observes and strategizes personal response based on environmental conditions and human behavior.
Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to: volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations.
Professional Standards - Knows and applies community corrections related law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to productivity standards and timelines established by law and policy. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.
Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.
Computer Skills – Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Possess and maintain a vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Washington
Maintain confidentiality of information obtained through job performance as protected by agency policy or state or federal law.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with DOC Offender Management Network Information (OMNI) or similar databases
Experience delivering programs or interventions in group settings to incarcerated or supervised individuals

Responsibilities

Providing professional delivery of all Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBIs) within the inventory of the Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) Unit to eligible participants actively under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections
Facilitating CBI groups and individualized CBI sessions
Reviewing and adhering to standards as outlined in the CBI Facilitators Guides
Screening, and assigning participants to designated Cognitive Behavioral Interventions using approved criteria and prioritization strategies
Scheduling classes and developing class rosters for selected eligible participants
Notifying participants of selection and intervention start date, schedule, and location
Notifying the Fidelity Unit of the intervention start date, schedule, and location
Preparing lesson plans for the delivery of interventions
Delivering intervention to participants according to lesson plan
Observing and monitoring individual participation and provide feedback on the lesson by providing reinforcements and additional coaching as necessary
Identifying and setting appropriate behavioral targets to increase or decrease identified participants behaviors
Scheduling and facilitating make-up sessions as necessary and in accordance with intervention and Facilitator Guide requirements
Assessing participant progress to determine intervention advancement
Hosting graduation events to acknowledge participants’ achievements in completing the intervention
Completing participant orientations to the intervention
Sharing with stakeholders the status of the ongoing Cognitive Behavioral Intervention.
Participating in and complete all scheduled training/coaching sessions for Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Documenting individual participation
Other duties as assigned by Reentry Division