Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Tacoma Reentry Center

Full Job Description

Corrections and Custody Officer 1 (CO2)

Tacoma Reentry Center

Full Time Permanent Positions available

Salary Information:

Corrections & Custody Officer 1 (DOC WFSE Range 45 Step J-M)

Corrections & Custody Officer 2 (DOC WFSE Range 52 Step H-M)

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS

*Successful candidates for this recruitment would attend the next Training Academy.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This job may be used to fill other job openings.

To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO2) level you must have:

* 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.

On-Call Positions

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.

Please note: if you recently applied to this location within the last 90 days, no need to reapply.

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.

About the Agency

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.

To learn more, click on the link: Reentry Centers | Washington State Department of Corrections

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.

Click here to learn more about the Correctional Officer hiring process.

Please note: Incomplete application packages may disqualify an application from the selection process. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the Supplemental Questions section of this application.

Requirements

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.

This position performs the following work:

• 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.

Correctional Officers must successfully complete Correctional Worker Core (CWC), a six-week academy for all correctional workers employed in DOC prison facilities.

We know that managing difficult people takes more than force. It takes observation, knowledge, skills, and continual practice.

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.

Click here to learn more about Training & Development at DOC!

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 1 (CO1) level you must have:

• Graduation from high school or GED
• Valid Driver's license

To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO 2) level you must have:

• 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.

Additional Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9.

The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application.

A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.

If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

*EMAIL ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER are required for all professional references*

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• The work of a Correctional Officer, and the required training, can be physically demanding at times. Click here to review a description of the training you'll receive, and the associated requirements.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or in close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.

We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.

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.

• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate will be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.

When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

• This position is included in a union shop.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. 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. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.

What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority.

Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PSERS: 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 actually retire under two different systems/plans.

For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

• Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

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.

For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

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.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email: lisa.phillips@doc1.wa.gov or 564-669-0674

For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388