Corrections Specialist 3 - INTERNAL Civil Commitment - Tacoma

Salary: $5,776.00 - $7,764.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01269
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: CCD - Section 4
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: 2/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Corrections Specialist 3 - INTERNAL

Community Corrections Division - Section 4Tacoma, WA

(DOC WFSE Salary Range 60: $5,776.00-$7,764.00)

• This is an INTERNAL recruitment, open to current, permanent WA State Department of Corrections employees only.
• Our agency offers a free ORCA card to all employees whose permanent duty station is assigned in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

The Missionof Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our agency is looking to INTERNALLY fill a full-time, permanent Corrections Specialist 3 (CS3) vacancy within the Community Corrections Division. This position works for Civil Commitment Unit located at 1016 South 28th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.
As part of a statewide unit for the Civil Commitment Program, this position reports directly to the Civil Commitment Program Manager in the Community Corrections Division. You will complete complex Court-ordered investigations, supervise, and will be considered a program expert for a unique population of sex offenders who have been civilly committed under RCW 71.09 as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Special Commitment Center (SCC).

Management of residents who have been conditionally released to a Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) from the SCC requires a multi-agency teamwork approach that involves regular communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, defense council, sex offender treatment providers, and SCC representatives in one or more counties statewide. This position monitors adherence to Court-ordered and DOC/DSHS/sex offender treatment provider-imposed conditions, holding SCC residents and DOC offenders accountable and collaborating with community stakeholders to assist with re-entry to, and safety in, the community.

Note: Although the shift hours Monday-Friday, 0800-1700, this position requires stand-by duty beyond the authorized work schedule, with compensation.
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our community and our agency. If you have a passion for service - review, decide, and apply!

HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application accessible via the 'Apply' button located at the top right corner of this posting and attach the following required documents:

Cover letter regarding your interest in this position.

Detailed chronological resume. Your resume will not substitute for the 'Work Experience' section of the online application.

And include at least three professional-level references with valid phone number and email for each. Review the 'Supplement Information' section for the requirements and definition of professional references.

NOTE:

• If using a degree or credits from an accredited institution to meet the requirements, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts.
• If your degree from your highest level of education was awarded outside the United States, you must also attach a credential evaluation report. Review the 'Supplement Information' section for more information.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans' preference should attach a copy of your DD-214 (member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do not include any personal photos or personally identifiable data within your application packet, such as a driver's license or social security number.

Incomplete application packages or statements such as 'see resume' in lieu of the requested information may disqualify you from the process.
Duties

• Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) supervision by managing a caseload of adult sex offenders who are civilly committed as SVPs (sexually violent predators) under Chapter 71.09 RCW or have been unconditionally released from the DSHS Special Commitment Center with DOC supervision remaining.
• Enforce supervision conditions and the law.
• LRA investigations by completing complex investigations and subsequent reports within court ordered timelines for Superior Court Judges statewide regarding proposed conditional LRA release plans.
• Lead other Corrections Specialists in the Civil Commitment Unit.
• Other duties as assigned and necessary.

To request a copy of the detailed position description, email the assigned recruiter at the end of this posting. Don't forget to refer to the 2025- requisition/job listed above.
Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL CASES LISTED BELOW - CANDIDATES MUST:

• Have the ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.
  • Note: Staff who do not qualify for legacy status under the provisions for arming are required to be armed and 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.
• Possess and maintain a vehicles operator's license valid in the state of Washington.
• Be willing to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors and review graphic materials and have the ability to remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision.
• Have at least two years of experience with sex offender case management**.
• Have at least two years of experience providing testimony a minimum of the five annually in Supreme Court specific to sex offender convictions and mental health commitments. Testimony must have included:
  • Writing a comprehensive violation, status or progress report, or special reports.
  • And being crossed examined by defense attorneys, questions by prosecuting attorneys and being able to support your recommendations based on facts presented, and/or providing depositions related to supervision.
• Have at least one year of experience with Static 99-R or other actual risk assessment, mental disorders/psychiatric diagnosis, state/federal laws, civil proceedings, incarcerated individuals (I/Is) transitioning, treatment and related policies regarding sex offenders I/Is with Axis 1 mental health disorders.
• Have at least two years of experience working collaboratively with other agencies, providers, forensic evaluators (psychologists/psychiatrists), attorneys, and sexual deviancy and mental health treatment providers.

AND MUST POSSESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CASES

• Three years' experience as a Community Corrections Officer with the Washington State Department of Corrections.

OR

• 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, or foreign equivalent.
• And 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.
  • Preparing written correspondence, reports, and/or documents.
  • Assessing cases and making recommendations.
  • Referring people to appropriate resources.
  • Presenting cases in court or hearings.
  • Knowledge of electronic monitoring devices
  • Experience determining classification levels and/or requirements.

OR

• Equivalent combination of qualifying experience and higher education equaling seven years.

**Professional case management includes activities such as: assessment of risk factors; designing, monitoring and/or facilitating treatment plans; determining and making referrals to resources as 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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of case management experience involving individuals who were either civilly committed under RCWs 71.09 at the DSHS Special Commitment Center or similar equivalent law at that time or conditional released from SCC under LRA.
• One year of experience conducting investigations and writing investigation reports.
• One year of experience presenting at hearings in Court or in DOC Hearing process.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, mental health, or closely related field.

In addition to the above, this position requires demonstrated competency in the following areas (competency may be gained through education, experience, or a combination thereof):

• Community Relationships: Participates in the formation and maintenance of successful relationships with criminal justice partners and community resources.
• Observation: Observes and strategizes personal action 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. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.
• Professional Standards: Knows and applies relevant 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 latest information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.
• Integrity: Earns others' trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Leadership: Promotes organizational mission and goals and demonstrates how to achieve them.
• Problem Solving: Rapid problem-solving ability. Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately when providing and receiving constructive feedback/criticism.
• Initiative: Ability to work and accomplish goals independently; takes ownership and accountability for own performance.

If selected for hire, you may be required to meet the following SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS and CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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. This requirement includes:
  • 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.

Supplemental 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.

Visit for more information about our agency.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The hiring process and required training for each position within DOC can vary. Click here for more information.
• References: 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, include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. Within your online application (or attachment), you must include a minimum of three professional references with a valid email and phone number for each. Current/recent supervisors are preferred. Make sure you complete the following fields for each reference:
  • First and Last name
  • Title (include their relationship to you, for example: Field Administrator, former supervisor)
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Address Line 1 (list the name of the organization where you worked with the reference)
• 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.
• DOC does not use E-Verify: We are not able to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• Employment eligibility verification requirements: DOC complies with the 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 on the first day of employment.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. 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.
• You may work directly with or near individuals who have committed a crime in a potentially hazardous setting. Consider this when deciding to apply.
• Pre-employment Drug Test: 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 may be administered as part of the selection process; applicants who test positive for any controlled substances may 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.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time an offer of employment is made. The salary 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.
• Represented Position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other (permanent or non-permanent) positions within 60 days after the listed position(s) have been filled.

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 a generous retirement plan and a comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year, in accordance with the CBA
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation
• And more! Visit our for more information.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Recruiter at or (360) 522-6304. Make sure you reference the requisition/job # listed above, it begins with 2025-.

For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

This INTERNAL recruitment is open to current, permanent WA State Dept of Corrections (DOC) employees only. Are you a current, permanent DOC employee?

• Yes
• No

02

As stated in the job posting, this position is required to have a valid, unrestricted driver's license; must be willing to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors and review graphic materials and have the ability to remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision; and if armed, staff must have the legal (Constitutional) right and ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.Select 'Yes' if you meet and/or agree with these requirements.

• Yes
• No, I do not meet and/or agree with these requirements and realize this will disqualify me from moving forward in the process.

03

Select the answer that best matches your highest level of education. Note: college-level coursework or degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or educational institution.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent AND one year of college-level coursework equaling 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter hours.
• Associate's degree OR two years of college-level coursework equaling 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter hours.
• Three years of college-level coursework equaling 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter hours.
• Bachelor's degree (or higher) or four years or more of college-level coursework equaling 120+ semester or 180+ quarter hours.
• Bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, or closely related field.
• Master's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, or closely related field.
• None of the above.

04

How many years of experience as a Community Corrections Officer (CCO) with the WA State Dept of Corrections do you possess? Your selection must be discoverable within your application material.

• Less than four years
• At least four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years
• Eight years or more
• I do not possess this type of experience.

05

How many years of professional case management experience in adult or juvenile corrections or closely related field do you possess?

• Less than two years
• Two years
• Three years
• Four years
• Five years
• Six years
• Seven years or more
• I do not possess this type of experience.

06

Select the case management activities you have experience with. Check all that apply.

• 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.
• Knowledge of electronic monitoring devices.
• Experience determining classification levels and/or requirements.
• None of the above.

07

Do you have at least two years of experience with sex offender case management?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have at least two years of experience providing testimony a minimum of the five annually in Supreme Court specific to sex offender convictions and mental health commitments? Testimony must have included writing a comprehensive violation, status or progress report, or special reports, AND being crossed examined by defense attorneys, questioned by prosecuting attorneys, and being able to support your recommendations based on facts presented and/or providing depositions related to supervision.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have at least one year of experience with Static 99-R or other actual risk assessment, mental disorders/psychiatric diagnosis, state/federal laws, civil proceedings, incarcerated individuals (I/Is) transitioning, treatment and related policies regarding sex offenders I/Is with Axis 1 mental health disorders?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have at least two years of experience working collaboratively with other agencies, providers, forensic evaluators (psychologists/psychiatrists), attorneys, and sexual deviancy and mental health treatment providers?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have one year of case management experience involving individuals who were either civilly committed under RCWs 71.09 at the DSHS Special Commitment Center or similar equivalent law at that time or conditional released from SCC under LRA? (This is a desirable qualification.)

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have one year of experience presenting at hearings in Court or in DOC Hearing process? (This is a desirable qualification.)

• Yes
• No

13

Do you have one year of experience conducting investigations and writing investigation reports? (This is a desirable qualification.)

• Yes
• No

14

If you have less than seven years of qualifying experience, did you attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts? Select the answer that best fits.

• Yes
• My official transcripts are on file with DOC Human Resources.
• No, and I understand that submitting an incomplete application packet may disqualify from moving forward in the process.
• N/A - this question does not apply to me.

15

Provide the name of the college or educational institution(s), area of study, and degree earned or total credits earned per year. If this does not apply to you, type in N/A.
16

Did you attach a current resume and cover letter to your completed online application?

• Yes
• No

17

Did you provide at least three professional-level references with a valid phone number and email for each? AND did you include current or recent supervisors? If not, explain in the next question.

• Yes
• No

18

If you did not provide at least three professional references AND/OR current or recent supervisors, explain why. If this does not apply to you, type in N/A.
19

3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

20

If you selected 'Other' or 'Referral' in the previous question, feel free to elaborate.
Required Question