Corrections Specialist 4 (CN57)

Salary: $5,783.00 - $7,779.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - McNeil Island, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-09602
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Opening Date: 03/06/2025
Closing Date: 3/13/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Corrections Specialist 4 (CN57)

Correctional Operations - Emergency Operations - Firearms Program

Full Time - Permanent

Salary Range: $5,783 - $7,779 Monthly
Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a knack for conversation, and have knowledge and a passion for Firearms safety? If you answered yes, the Washington State Department of Corrections may have the next a career opportunity for you! The Firearms Program Unit is searching for a dynamic and professional Corrections Specialist 4 (CS4)to join their team.
As the CS4, you would be an essential addition to the Firearms Program Unit and to the Department. This is the perfect opportunity to utilize your strong conversation and relationship skills as you communicate with diverse stakeholders, build, and maintain professional relationships, while maintaining, improving, and developing DOC's Firearms safety and use.
If you have read this far and are interested in the next opportunity to improve public safety, we encourage you to apply! A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who strongly believe in collaboration and share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a CS4, some of your duties will include:

• Serves as the Department's technical and advanced level expert for the Prisons' Divisions' Armories, Use of Deadly Force, and Firearms Training programs, to include training, policies, process improvements, corrective actions, and oversight of the Department's firearms, ammunition, armory operations, less lethal force, chemical agents, and the manner in which they are used.
• Statewide lead for curriculum development and implementation of the Department's-Use of Deadly Force training. Also serves as the statewide lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME) on ammunition, firearms/weapons, chemical agents, armory operations, procurement, training and use thereof.
• Review and implement strategies to improve overall program performance, pertaining to the Department's firearm/weapons, ammunition, chemical agents, training, storage and use thereof.
• Organize, direct, monitor, and control the acquisition, distribution, and inventory of Department firearms/weapons, munitions, ammunition, and emergency preparedness/response related equipment.
• Maintain expert/advanced level knowledge and understanding of existing case law and liability issues pertaining to the use of firearms, use of Deadly Force, and selection/use of ammunition.
• Maintain expert/advanced level knowledge and proficiency of the Department's handgun, AR-15 rifle, MP-5, Shotgun, Marksman/Spotter rifle. As well as, specialty impact munitions/delivery systems, simunitions, Taser, and Chemical Agents to include Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). While also remaining proficient in cleaning, care, and repair for these items.
• Serves as an expert resource for all information regarding questions about the Department's firearms/weapons, ammunition, chemical agents, and program that may arise from Executive Leadership, Department staff, or external correctional/law enforcement agencies.
• Supervise and maintain the McNeil Island Range for future Department use, and seek improvement opportunities for the range, storage areas, buildings/ classrooms, and overall facility infrastructure.
• Plan, organize, oversee, and audit instructor compliance with training, policies, RCWs, and current trends in law enforcement firearms training.
• Mentors and coaches' instructors, including auditing, evaluating, and correcting deficiencies in programs, activities, instructor performance, curriculum, and procedures.
• Schedules and facilitates instructor level courses on firearms, ammunition, and armorer.
• Conduct instructor updates and perform quality assessments/audits of department instructors in the field on a regular and consistent basis.
• Develops and updates training materials, curriculum, and schedules both basic and advanced weapons trainings and academies with a primary focus on enhancing the skills of Instructors/students in the areas of use of firearms/weapons and team building skills.
• Delivers training courses at the Community Corrections Officer Academy, Community Corrections In-service, Prisons In-service, and Correctional Worker Core, as needed.
• Reviews student participation during training of academies to determine successful and/or unsuccessful completion.
• Responsible for oversight and supervision of training of all firearms, specialty impact munitions, and chemical agents training. Is also actively involved in the selection and mentoring process of Department instructors in pursuit of consistency and excellence across the Department. This will require regular and routine visits to multiple facilities across the state.
• Participate and provide input upon selection, recruitment, and development of Department instructors and facility Armory Sergeants. Monitor statewide performance of firearms/weapons, specialty impact munitions, and chemical agents training, to ensure quality and consistency.
• Perform needs assessments and task analysis of all use of force activities with an emphasis on firearms/weapons training quality, consistency, and process improvement.
• Performs audits/reviews on all use of deadly force incidents. Responsible for firearms/weapons, less-lethal delivery systems, ammunition, and chemical agent program, to include ordering, storage, maintenance, training, and testing and evaluation.
• Provides technical advice/assistance and performs use of deadly force audits, critical incident reviews, and post-shooting investigations.
• Serves on Critical Incident Review and audit teams, Firearm Review Boards, and committees to assess industry best practices in regard to new equipment and technology.
• Facilitates systems to oversee statewide ordering and purchase of equipment, supplies, and services relating to the firearms/weapons, ammunition, munitions, and specialty team programs, training, and activities.
• As a member of the Firearms Program Unit, performs other tasks as assigned to assist both the Unit and the Department in pursuit of excellence.
• Assists in the development of policies for the department and the Correctional Operations Unit.
• Recommends changes in established procedures and policies within the firearms/weapons, ammunition, and chemical agent training programs and activities.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• Current DOC certified Firearms Instructor for handgun, rifle, and shotgun.
• Certified armorer for DOC weapons, including handgun, rifle, and shotgun.
• Experience in classroom facilitation/presentation and large group instruction.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• At least 3 years' experience as an Armory Sergeant in WA DOC.
• 5 years of adult correctional experience including a minimum of three years supervisory experience.
• Overall familiarity with DOC 410 series policies.
• Ability to plan and implement training, testing and evaluation of firearms/weapons, less-lethal weapons, ammunition, and chemical agents at all levels within DOC facilities, work releases, field offices and other DOC offices.
• Experience as a DOC Specialty Team Leader/Assistant or team member who is familiar with tactical deployment and resolution strategies.

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.
Corrections 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• 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.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• 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.
• Employees may work directly with or near 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 may 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 the position.
• If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment.
• 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.
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
• 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; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details
The position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington, using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at the time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have an available "drop in" area; however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
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:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 11 paid holidays a year (12 in 2022 for Juneteenth)
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

For questions about the recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email DOC HR-SEC-DEP-OPS dochrsecdepops@DOC1.WA.GOV or call at 360485-3154. 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

Are you currently a DOC certified Firearms Instructor for handgun, rifle, and shotgun?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently a certified Armorer for DOC weapons, including handgun, rifle, and shotgun?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the answer that best describes your classroom facilitation/presentation or large group instruction experience.

• I have one (1) year or less of experience.
• I have two (2) years' experience.
• I have three (3) years' experience.
• I have four (4) or more years' experience.
• None of the above apply to me.

04

Please select the answer that best describes your Adult Corrections experience.

• I have at least three (3) years' of experience.
• I have 3-5 years' experience.
• I have 5-7 years' experience.
• I have more than 7 years' experience.,None of the above apply to me.
• None of the above apply to me.

05

Please select the answer that best describes your supervisory experience in Adult Corrections.

• I have one (1) year or less of experience.
• I have two (2) years' experience.
• I have three (3) years' experience.
• I have four (4) or more years' experience.

06

Please briefly describe where you gained your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
07

Do you have experience as a DOC Specialty Team Leader/Assistant or team member?

• Yes
• No

08

Did you attach a current resume, cover letter, and at least three (3) professional references to this application?

• Yes
• No

09

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?

• Yes
• No

Required Question