Corrections Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must have the ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.
• Must possess and maintain an unrestricted vehicle operator's license valid in the state of Washington.
• Must have the willingness and ability to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors; review graphic materials; and remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision.
• Must have the demonstrated ability through college-level coursework or experience in three or more of the following: Written Communication skills, Critical Thinking, Analytical Reasoning, Conflict Resolution, Situational Awareness, Problem Solving, Organizational Skill, Work independently, Flexibility.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent AND at least four years of qualifying experience in adult or juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or closely related field.
• Associate or technical degree from an accredited institution AND two years of the qualifying experience listed above.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and/or experience totaling four years.
• Must have the demonstrated ability through college-level coursework or professional work experience in three or more of the following: Making field visits, Preparing written correspondence, reports, and/or documents, Assessing cases and making recommendations, Referring people to appropriate resources, Presenting cases in court or hearings, Completing assessments of risk factors, Designing, monitoring, and/or facilitating treatment plans, Determining and making referrals to resources as appropriate, Maintaining official records and tracking supervised individuals/residents' progress and compliance, Assisting supervised individuals/residents who are unable to independently access support systems or community resources, Making sound case management decisions under stressful conditions and to understand and interpret detailed legal documents accurately, Using computer and software to enter, retrieve, and store data, Managing caseloads with conflicting priorities, Identifying community-based resources for treatment and programming, Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, Work independently and in close collaboration with system- and community-based stakeholders.
• One year experience as a Community Corrections Officer (CCO) within the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC).
• Associate or technical degree from a recognized college or educational institution AND three years of the professional work experience listed above.
• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or institution AND one year of the professional work experience listed above.
• Or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and/or professional work experience totaling five years.
• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
• Complete and pass the psychological screening (Battery Exam and Psychological Interview/Evaluation).
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.
• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Become familiar and comply with all department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements, as applicable.
• Successfully complete the Firearms Academy and Control/Impedance Tactics (CIT) training within prescribed timeframes.
• Maintaining eligibility to possess and use a firearm under federal and state laws.
• Maintaining qualifications per department training standards with department-issued firearms and with Intermediate Force options (e.g., OC ‘pepper’ spray or electronic immobilization devices).
• Maintaining CIT qualifications.
• Completing all agency requalification training and an annual criminal history clearance to remain armed.
• Must be willing and able to possess and use a firearm under federal and state law; maintain firearm qualifications; and successfully complete ongoing training requirements associated with mandatory arming and potential use of force.

Nice To Haves

• Current and recent supervisors are preferred references.

Responsibilities

• Supervise criminal S/Is (supervised individuals) ordered to supervision in the community in accordance with Washington State law, Interstate Compact Rules/Regulations, and agency policy and within prescribed timeframes.
• Conduct investigations, searches, issue warrants, and make arrests.
• Complete intake.
• Administer assessments (risk, needs, substance abuse).
• Manage electronic and hardcopy files and reports.
• Engage with S/Is to work towards positive change by using communication strategies, Motivational Interviewing to enhance the S/I’s intrinsic motivation to change, and Principles of Effective Interventions to interact with S/Is and to manage behavior.
• Enforce supervision conditions and the law.
• Present accurate written documentation and oral testimony and make appropriate sanction recommendations for courts and/or hearings.
• Identify, collect, document, process, and maintain evidence and information, ensuring proper chain of custody and storage.
• Exercise sound judgment and follow Department policies, procedures, and protocols regarding the appropriate maintenance, security, handling, and discharge of department-issued firearms.
• Ensure proper safety and security measures are in place while armed and having S/I contact outside of the office environment to include wearing a safety vest as outlined in policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Fourteen to twenty-five paid vacation days per year, depending on years of service and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) if a represented position
• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month
• Twelve paid holidays per year (includes one personal holiday)
• One personal leave day per year (in accordance with the CBA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
• PSERS: Many positions within DOC are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).