Corrections Officer



Corrections Officer

Salary

$71,785.44 - $95,776.56 Annually

Location

Multiple jail facilities in King County, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2022CT16467

Department

DAJD-Adult/Juvenile Detention

Division

KCCF

Opening Date

07/12/2022

Closing Date

5/7/2023 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Q2 : KCCG-DAJD

Summary

THIS POSITION IS OPEN FOR CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT. 

Newly hired Corrections Officers may be eligible for hiring incentives up to $7,500*.
Qualified lateral Corrections Officers may be eligible for hiring incentives up to $15,000*.
 

IMPORTANT UPDATE EFFECTIVE 10/04/2022: THE PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING WRITTEN EXAM IS NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

About the department: The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies. DAJD operates the largest county jail system in the State of Washington, housing an average daily population of 25 juvenile detainees and more than 1600 adult inmates.
 
Department's Mission: DAJD contributes to the public safety of the citizens of King County and Washington State by operating safe, secure, and humane detention facilities and community corrections programs, in an innovative and cost-effective manner.
  
About the position: Working in corrections is a challenging but rewarding career, where you can make a difference in the lives of others.  As one of the largest corrections employers in the State of Washington, King County is able to offer job stability and security, and unique opportunities for career development, advanced training, and assignment to specialty units. King County DAJD correctional facilities operate 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Typical shifts are 0620 to 1430 hours, 1420 to 2230 hours, and 2220 to 0630 hours, with overtime when necessary.  For more information, please refer to the Corrections Officer Job Class Description.
  
TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: 
King County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a full-time benefited King County employee:
  • Effective 7/26/2022: All successful Lateral Corrections Officer applicants will receive 40 hours of sick leave and 40 hours of vacation leave upon hire.
  • Correctional Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: firearms qualified, translation (bilingual) premium, training officer pay, and longevity pay
  • Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for degrees in approved fields of study
  • Comprehensive provision of uniforms and equipment, including an annual uniform maintenance stipend and allocation of training ammunition
  • Meals or meal vouchers provided while on duty
  • 12 days of annual vacation leave with progressive career increases up to a maximum of 30 vacation days per year
  • 12 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
  • 12 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 personal holidays
  • Complete coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees participate in a generous pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, and can voluntarily participate in additional 457k deferred compensation options.
  • Transportation program, free ORCA transit pass, and paid parking.
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, bereavement leave, volunteer service leave, and military service leave
  • Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Programs, Employee Giving Program
  • Employee Assistance Programs, Training & Career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit: Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page
  
Work locations: incumbents may be assigned to either of two work locations:
  • King County Correctional Facility, 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
  • Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W. James Street, Kent, WA 98032
Schedule and facility assignments are subject to staffing needs of the department and collective bargaining unit bid processes, which are seniority based.
 
Union membership: Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Corrections Guild (KCCG).
  
How to apply: Completion of a King County employment application and DAJD supplemental questionnaire is required. Resumes or letter of interest alone will not substitute for full application. Online applications are preferred. To apply, go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.
 
Who to contact: For assistance with the online application process, please contact NeoGov Customer Support toll free at 1-877-204-4442 or Governmentjobs.com.
 
Questions regarding this position and the selection process may be directed to:More information about this job and the department can be found on the DAJD website at www.kingcounty.gov/dajdjobs.
 
Veterans' Preference: Incumbents requesting Veterans' preference must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form, via email to Candy.Trang@kingcounty.gov determine eligibility. Veterans' preference will be applied as applicable.

Job Duties

  • Oversee all activities of inmates, including recreation, distribution of meals, mail, commissary requests, educational classes, visitation time, professional visits, social workers, and other authorized activities. 
  • Enforce rules and guidelines while managing inmate behavior, in accordance with jail policies and procedures.
  • Ensure and maintain the safe, secure, humane custody of inmates, adhering to constitutional obligations including access to legal counsel, medical and mental health services as required.
  • Relay approved information concerning inmates to relatives, attorneys, probation and police officers, and others.
  • Use appropriate physical defensive interventions and restraint techniques to maintain custody and control, up to and including deadly force, in accordance with local, state, and federal law; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive interventions and physical agility.
  • Participate in required trainings in defensive tactics, electronic control devices, pepper spray, and other emergency and safety equipment.
  • Ability to perform under high stress when confronted with emergent, critical, or dangerous situations; handle multiple activities simultaneously; exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances in which working with speed and sustained attention are critical to the job. 
  • Summon medical attention for inmates and render emergency first aid and CPR.
  • Receive, Book and Release inmates according to policies and procedures as well as assisting in entering personal data on required databases, logs, and files, as well as checking for outstanding warrants.
  • Operate control room and/or central surveillance, monitor close circuit television (CCTV) cameras, control access and egress within jails, security and alarms systems, communication & radio traffic, and other electronic screening devices.
  • Coordinate with courts to ensure inmates appear as required.
  • Write detailed reports concerning any recommendation, problem, observation or emergency situations or occurrences within the jail, according to DAJD policy and training, or when directed by supervisors.
  • Provide excellent customer services, including professional and respectful behavior at all times.
  • Ensure confidentiality is upheld to the highest ethical standard.
  • Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Inspect facility, inmates, visitors, and packages delivered to the facility.
  • Conduct searches related to safety and security to include, but not limited to vehicles, facilities, property and person for contraband, health hazards, safety, and security violations.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum qualifications for entry level:

  • Twenty-one years of age by the time of hire
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire
Most competitive: Applicants who possess corrections and/or criminal justice experience.
 
Lateral Experience: Training requirements and starting salary range will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Supplemental Information

Applicants currently working as a Corrections Officer are subject to the same application, testing and screening process as other candidates. However, some additional benefits may be realized post-hire and include the following:

  • Salary Consideration: Incumbents may be considered for placement at a step within the Corrections Officer salary range that is closest to their current salary (salaries must remain within the stated Corrections Officer salary range);
  • Salary Consideration for Laterals: Salary may be evaluated for previous corrections experience on a case-by-case basis, up to Step 5 of the Corrections Officer salary range;
  • Training Waiver Consideration: Incumbents may be considered for a full or partial Corrections Academy waiver, based on confirmation of attendance and successful completion of a comparable Corrections Academy. Training records of these incumbents will be reviewed to determine eligibility for a full or partial waiver.
Selection process: Incumbents selected for this position must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:
  • King County application for employment. Once the applications are screened, incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department's background investigation process. 
  • The DAJD background investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes but is not limited to; completion of an extensive Background Investigation Questionnaire, oral board, Washington Department of Child Youth & Families Neglect Founded Findings Request, EyeDetect and/or polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, criminal background check, reference checks, final interview, and physical examination (pre-employment physical). The background investigation is an ongoing process and may lead to termination of employment if adverse information is obtained during employment
Additional information regarding physical testing - Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center requirements (WSCJTC): All Corrections Officers will be required to pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) at time of hire. The physical qualification process will include the following components:
  • Push-Ups: 15 minimum, 90 second time limit
  • Sit-Ups: 12 minimum, 90 second time limit
  • Squat Thrusts: 25 minimum, 3-minute time limit
To pass the Physical Agility Test administered by the WSCJTC, the applicant must pass all three events. The PAT is graded on PASS/FAIL and is no longer scored by points. You can review the PAT demonstration video at: http://vimeo.com/491713554

Post hire: Incumbents must successfully pass a physical ability test (PAT). The post-hire PAT is administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) which is required for admission to the Corrections Officer Academy. Failure to successfully pass the WSCJTC PAT will result in termination of employment. Incumbents must complete a four-week orientation, a ten-week Corrections Officer Academy (COA length is subject to change per WSCJTC policy), a six-week field training program and successfully complete a one-year probationary period. All incumbents must be able to participate in rigorous physical training at the academy and must be able to work with adult inmates in physical situations throughout their employment.
 
If you have failed the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention's background investigation process within the past two years, your application will not be considered at this time, unless otherwise notified.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. 

Togetherwith leadership and our employeeswe're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to livework and play.
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer 
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy}, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply 
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

*Hiring incentives are subject to change without notice and are only available until funding is exhausted which may occur at any time.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite activity centers
  • Employee Giving Program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
Have you undergone the background investigation process for employment with the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention within the last two years?
  • Yes
  • No
04
How did you hear about this position?
  • Career Fair or Recruiting Booth
  • King County Website or GovernmentJobs.com
  • Display Advertisement
  • CorrectionsOne Advertisement
  • Referred by King County Employee
  • Personal Referral
  • Radio Ad or Interview
  • Public Safety Testing
  • King County Recruiter
  • Indeed.com
  • Other
05
If you selected "Other" regarding question #4, please let us know how you heard about this position.
06
Are you currently, or have you in the past, participated in volunteer activities within a King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention facility (Maleng Regional Justice Center, King County Correctional Facility or King County's Juvenile Detention Facility)?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Following is a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The general employment application must be completed to include your work history. You are welcome to submit a resume as well; however, failure to provide a detailed work history on the general application may prohibit further consideration. Do you understand that your responses to the supplemental questions for this position must be supported by your general application materials?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Are you at least 20 1/2 years old at this time?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you possess a valid driver's license and/or can you obtain a Washington State driver's license by the date of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
11
If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing and available to work at any hours/shift, including days, swing, graveyard, weekends, and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No
12
If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing to work at any *facility location: Seattle (King County Correctional Facility, King County Courthouse) or Kent (Maleng Regional Justice Center)? (*To include working within the secure perimeter of a detention facility with inmate contact.)
  • Yes
  • No
13
If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing to work mandatory overtime?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Corrections Officer candidates must pass a physical ability test (PAT) administered at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center. The PAT requirement includes the ability to do 15 push-ups within 90 seconds, 12 sit ups within 90 seconds, and 25 squat thrusts within 3 minutes. Are you able to meet the PAT requirements as described above?
  • Yes
  • No
15
All candidates for employment with DAJD must undergo a thorough background investigation process. This process includes a polygraph examination, investigation for criminal activity, traffic records, conviction records, employment and education history, character, and reputation in the community, etc. Selected positions may also require psychological testing and evaluation, and a pre-employment general medical physical. Applicants may be rejected for criminal behavior, drug use, or any indications in the areas listed in the "Background Investigation Screening" questionnaire. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation process as described above?
  • Yes
  • No
16
The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. Employees of the department are prohibited from using illegal drugs. Should you be hired by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, you acknowledge that you will adhere to the department's policies and rules regarding drug use.
  • Yes
  • No
17
PLEASE NOTE: A "yes" response to any of the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration. Responses will be confirmed and verified during the department's background investigation process. Do you understand that a "yes" response to the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration?
  • I Agree
  • I Disagree
18
In the last 3 years, have you bought, sold, offered to sell, possessed, transported, manufactured, delivered, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance? • Cocaine or crack • Club drugs – Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol or MDMA • Hallucinogens – PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin • Opiates – Opium, Morphine or Heroin • Stimulants – Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine • Aerosols – Huffing paint or Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat
  • Yes
  • No
19
In the last 3 years, have you illegally used any other controlled substance or other illegal drugs/narcotics? For purposes of this question, illegal drugs/narcotics/controlled substances include, but is not limited to, the following: Cocaine or Crack · Club drugs: Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA · Hallucinogens: PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin · Opiates: Opium, Morphine or Heroin · Stimulants: Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine · Aerosols: Huffing paint, Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat
  • Yes
  • No
20
In the last 3 years, have you been convicted of a domestic violence or a domestic violence-related crime?
  • Yes
  • No
21
Have you ever been disciplined in the workplace for sexual, racial, or other harassment or discrimination?
  • Yes
  • No
22
If former military, did you receive any discharge other than "Honorable"? If you were not former military, select N/A
  • Yes
  • No
  • N/A
23
Were you referred by a current King County employee to this job posting?
  • Yes
  • No
24
If yes, please provide the employee's full name and the King County department they are employed with. If no, leave this answer blank.

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404