What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corrections Specialist 2-Patient Care Navigator - L322- WSP position at State of Washington?
Description
Corrections Specialist 2 – Patient Care Navigator
Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, WA
Full Time Permanent
Monthly Salary Range: $5,892 to $7,930
Washington State Department of Corrections is looking for a motivated Corrections Specialist 2-Patient Care Navigator to join our team.
The Goal of the Patient Care Navigator is to provide outreach and education services for identified high risk members. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to make connections and build relationships with vulnerable populations. The Care Navigator works collaboratively with nursing staff, the primary care provider and patient service representatives with the purpose of making the critical linages to health information/ services and assists with care coordination. The Patient Care Navigator is flexible and willing to work in a dynamic and evolving role according to individual patient and program demands, has strong verbal/ written communication skills, and strong organizational skills. To work with the patient and their clinic team to eliminate barriers to necessary medical care including timely screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
Duties
Assist patient in navigating diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other complex chronic diseases involving multiple sites of care. Establish rapport with patients via face-to-face encounters and written communications to serve as a point of contact and link between care team members and patients at risk to encounter barriers to necessary care. Serve as a point of contact to informally resolve patient’s concerns or barriers related to access to timely care.
Required qualifications:
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
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:
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please emailkathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call at (509) 907-7808.
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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Do you possess 3 years of professional experience providing healthcare case management services in adult or juvenile corrections, social services, or closely related field. OR 2 years working with Medicaid systems.
Do you possess Supervisory Experience?
Are you Proficiennt using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook)?
Do you possess excellent written and verbal communication skills?
Do you possess experience working in an adult Correctional Facility?
3100 - Are you a current DOC employee?
3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity?
3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents)
3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
3100 - Please Indicate Your Highest Level Of Education
Corrections Specialist 2 – Patient Care Navigator
Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, WA
Full Time Permanent
Monthly Salary Range: $5,892 to $7,930
Washington State Department of Corrections is looking for a motivated Corrections Specialist 2-Patient Care Navigator to join our team.
The Goal of the Patient Care Navigator is to provide outreach and education services for identified high risk members. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to make connections and build relationships with vulnerable populations. The Care Navigator works collaboratively with nursing staff, the primary care provider and patient service representatives with the purpose of making the critical linages to health information/ services and assists with care coordination. The Patient Care Navigator is flexible and willing to work in a dynamic and evolving role according to individual patient and program demands, has strong verbal/ written communication skills, and strong organizational skills. To work with the patient and their clinic team to eliminate barriers to necessary medical care including timely screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
Duties
Assist patient in navigating diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other complex chronic diseases involving multiple sites of care. Establish rapport with patients via face-to-face encounters and written communications to serve as a point of contact and link between care team members and patients at risk to encounter barriers to necessary care. Serve as a point of contact to informally resolve patient’s concerns or barriers related to access to timely care.
- Coordinates, facilitates and negotiates services and resources to support coordination and continuity of care in the most appropriate care setting to enhance patient satisfaction.
- Collaborates with physicians, peers, community colleagues and others to coordinate care across the health care continuum to identify opportunities to continually improve patient care and services across multiple care delivery sites and multiple care givers.
- Collaborate with patients in acquiring information and understanding of care options needed to make informed decisions.
- Where desired, accompany patients to visits with members of health care team.
- Coach and coordinate communications among healthcare teams, patients, family, caregivers.
- Promote whole-person centered care by encouraging engagement and commitment to adhere to medical treatment according to patient’s values and beliefs.
- Facilitate care transitions by ensuring notification of care team of hospitalization, emergency treatment, or transfer on to the panel of patients with needs to follow up with care team.
- Works to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes by identifying health barrier information as well as patient identified goals.
- Accesses and acts on information related to denials and barriers to ensure effective continuity of care.
- Engages physicians, hospital staff, leaders and community partners in analysis, intervention and resolution activities for all departmental programs.
- Works with colleagues to eliminate avoidable delays and denials.
- Refer quality, infection control and risk management issues to appropriate individuals or departments.
- Works with patients and refers complex cases to the primary care team to facilitate timely multidisciplinary case conferences.
- Maintains current knowledge of departmental policies/standards/procedures, new clinical procedures/processes, patient safety goals, core measure quality indicators and other issues/requirements impacting matters within assigned scope of responsibility.
- Participate as successful member of a multi-disciplinary team, understanding the value of individual work styles, roles and standards.
- Participate in required trainings and attend department team meetings. Continue own education by staying informed of industry trends.
- Develop and maintain processes to improve patient experience and clinical operations.
- Basic Knowledge of appropriate boundaries and limits around personal self-disclosure when working as a member of health and support services.
- Strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/martials for effective communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient population served. Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the departments defined specific populations served.
- Sensitivity to coordination of care requirements for all patients from a variety of ethnic, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds with varied medical and developmental needs.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to the patients/caregiver and incorporate understanding into health
- Advocate for patients unable to advocate for themselves
- Assist clients in achieving identified health improvement and stabilization goals.
- Meets patients “where they are at” without judgement and criticism
- Other tasks as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- 3 years of professional experience providing healthcare case management services in adult or juvenile corrections, social services, or closely related field.
- 2 years working with Medicaid systems.
- Supervisory Experience.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook). Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social services related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is
- recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Experience working in an adult Correctional Facility.
Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values
- Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
- Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciate and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
- People's safety: Corrections believe in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
- Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
- Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.
- 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 this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
- 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.
- 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 www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- (FOR RN POSITIONS) Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-U. Step U is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step T in your permanent salary range.
- (FOR ALL OTHER NON WMS POSITIONS) Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
- DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
- Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
- Promote inclusiveness.
- Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
- Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please emailkathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.gov or call at (509) 907-7808.
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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Do you possess 3 years of professional experience providing healthcare case management services in adult or juvenile corrections, social services, or closely related field. OR 2 years working with Medicaid systems.
- Yes
- No
Do you possess Supervisory Experience?
- Yes
- No
Are you Proficiennt using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook)?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess excellent written and verbal communication skills?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess experience working in an adult Correctional Facility?
- Yes
- No
3100 - Are you a current DOC employee?
- Yes
- No
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
3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents)
- Yes
- No
3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
- Yes
- No
3100 - Please Indicate Your Highest Level Of Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associates degree
- Bachelors degree Bachelor’s degree in social services related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Masters degree or higher
- Required Question
Salary : $5,892 - $7,930