Corrections Officer

Summary

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.

Department’s Mission: We provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

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 06:20 to 14:30 hours, 14:20 to 22:30 hours, and 22:20 to 06:30 hours, and may also include overtime when necessary. Alternative shifts, including the potential to be scheduled 12-hour shifts, may be offered or required on a limited basis. 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:

• 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.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance:
• 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.
• Correctional Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: firearms qualified, bilingual premiums, field training officer pay, and longevity pay.
• 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.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  
  

For additional information about employee benefits please visit: 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, but benefits may change over time. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

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 www.Governmentjobs.com.

Questions regarding this position and the selection process may be directed to:

• Jacob Black, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at jacob.black@kingcounty.gov
• Johnson Chao, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at jchao@kingcounty.gov
• Ursula Mole, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at urmole@kingcounty.gov
  
  

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 jacob.black@kingcounty.gov to determine eligibility. Veterans' preference will be applied as applicable.

Job Duties

• Oversee all activities of jail residents, 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 jail resident behavior, in accordance with jail policies and procedures.
• Ensure and maintain the safe, secure, humane custody of jail residents, adhering to constitutional obligations including access to legal counsel, medical and mental health services as required.
• Relay approved information concerning jail residents 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 jail residents and render emergency first aid and CPR.
• Receive, book and release jail residents according to policies and procedures, assisting with 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 jail residents 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 jail residents, 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:

• You must be a citizen of the United States or a person who is legally authorized towork in the United States under federal law.
• 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.
• Must have the ability to read, speak, and write in the English language fluently.
  
  

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 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;
• Internal Salary Consideration: Internal Incumbents may be considered for a higher step placement;
• 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, Washington Department of Child Youth & Families Neglect Founded Findings Request, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, criminal background check, social media 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 are required to pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) in order to attend the Corrections Officer Academy. 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. Please note, the Public Safety Testing written exam is not required for this position.

Post hire: Incumbents must successfully pass a physical ability test (PAT) again. 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 six-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 minimum 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 jail residents 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.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we'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 teamdedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work 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 have questions, please contact a recruiter listed on this job announcement.

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:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• 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: eligible King County employees may 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

Were you referred by a current King County employee to this job posting?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

If you answered YES to #6, please provide the employee's full name and the King County department they are employed with. In order for the King County employee to receive credit for referring you to the position, you must provide their information here. Do not add more than one person as a referral. If no one referred you to the position, type N/A.

08

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
  
  

09

Following is a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your experience and qualifications. Your responses will be compared with your other application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials must correspond with your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the selection process. The 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 application may prohibit further consideration. Do you understand that your responses to the supplemental questions for this position must correspond with your application materials?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Are you a citizen of the United States or a person who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

You must be at least 21 years of age or older at time of hire. There is no upper age restriction for the position. Are you now at least 20 ½ years old?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No
  
  

13

Are you a Washington State Resident with a valid Washington State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

If you are not a Washington State Resident, you will be required to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License before starting with the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). Are you able and willing to obtain a WA Driver's License prior to starting employment with DAJD?

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

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
  
  

16

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 jail resident contact.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing to work mandatory overtime?

• Yes
• No
  
  

18

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
  
  

19

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
  
  

20

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. If hired by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, do you acknowledge that you will adhere to the department's policies and rules regarding drug use?

• Yes
• No
  
  

21

PLEASE NOTE: A "yes" response to any of the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration. Do you understand that a "yes" response to the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration?

• I Agree
• I Disagree
  
  

22

In the last 3 years, have you bought, sold, offered to sell, possessed, transported, manufactured, delivered, or possessed 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).
• Yes
• No
  
  

23

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).
• Yes
• No
  
  

24

In the last 3 years, have you been convicted of a domestic violence or a domestic violence-related crime?

• Yes
• No
  
  

25

Have you ever been disciplined in the workplace for sexual, racial, or other harassment or discrimination?

• Yes
• No
  
  

26

Have you ever been convicted of one or more of the following offenses: a felony offense; a gross misdemeanor domestic violence offense; an offense with sexual motivation as defined by RCW 9.94A.030; an offense under chapter 9A.44 RCW; or a federal or out-of-state offense comparable to the offenses listed in this question?

• Yes
• No
  
  

27

If you answered yes to the question above, was the conviction adjudicated as a juvenile and the records sealed; or were you granted a full and unconditional pardon?

• Yes
• No
  
  

28

Have you ever been convicted as an adult for any violent crime against a person?

• Yes
• No
  
  

29

Have you ever been convicted as an adult for any crime classified as a Domestic Violence offense?

• Yes
• No
  
  

30

Are you currently named as a respondent in an active and non-temporary No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Domestic Violence Order?

• Yes
• No
  
  

31

Are you listed on any state child abuse registries?

• Yes
• No
  
  

32

• Are you prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm?
• Yes
• No
  
  

33

In the last three (3) years, have you participated or been affiliated with a street gang or security threat group defined by RCW 9.94A.30 and/or RCW 43.43.762

• Yes
• No
  
  

34

In the last three (3) years, have you been convicted of a DUI?

• Yes
• No
  
  

35

In the last five (5) years, have you been convicted of any adult felony drug offenses?

• Yes
• No
  
  

36

If you served in the military, what type of discharge did you receive (honorable, less than honorable or other)?

• I received a less than honorable discharge.
• I received an honorable discharge.
• Other
• I was never in the military.
  
  

37

Are you applying for the entry level or lateral Corrections Officer position?

• Entry Level
• Lateral
• Required Question