What are the responsibilities and job description for the Workforce Development Navigator position at State of Washington?
Description
Workforce Development Navigator
(Corrections Specialist 3)
Location: Reentry Headquarters | Olympia, WA
Salary Range: $5,398 - $7,254 Monthly
Correctional Industries (CI) is committed to maintaining and expanding incarcerated individual work training programs that develop marketable job skills, promote positive work ethics. Within this commitment, CI is searching for a strong motivator who is detail oriented and has an enthusiasm for supporting successful reentry to join the Reentry Navigator Team as a Workforce Development Navigator (Corrections Specialist 3)! The goal of this position is to increase the employability of incarcerated individuals in preparation for their release, thereby supporting safer and more successful community reintegration.
As a Workforce Development Navigator, you will be responsible for implementing the CI Workforce Development Program within your assigned locations. This includes providing job preparation services for incarcerated individuals to increase their employability in advance of release. The work performed directly supports the Department of Corrections’ mission to improve public safety.
In this role, your responsibilities will also include supporting individuals at your assigned facilities in establishing work history, building soft skills, and obtaining certificates of proficiency. The candidate of choice will be tasked with delivering work-readiness training and coordinating related certifications and consultation services, which contributes to the agency’s strategic priority of supporting successful transitions and reducing recidivism.
CI provides opportunities for incarcerated workers to gain work experience and marketable skills, and through its Workforce Development program, receive assistance in being “work ready” and employable upon release. The program aims to provide a pathway of continuous employment from prison into the community. If you are searching for a meaningful career that will directly impact our communities, we encourage you to apply!
A Completed Application Packet Will Include
We are looking for teammates who 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 Corrections Specialist 3, some of your duties will include:
What we need (required qualifications):
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
Important Notes
This 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 that 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 a “drop in” area available, 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:
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. 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 07-21-2025
01
Are you a current DOC employee?
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
Do you have two (2) years of verifiable experience teaching individuals?
If you indicated having two years of verifiable experience teaching individuals, please describe this experience in detail. If you do not have this experience, please put NA. See resume will be considered an incomplete answer.
05
Do you have two (2) years supervising incarcerated individuals?
If you indicated having two years supervising incarcerated individuals, please describe this experience in detail. If you do not have this experience, please put NA. See resume will be considered an incomplete answer.
07
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years working with Microsoft Office Suite?
Please indicate all Microsoft Office Suite products in which you have experience utilizing.
09
Are you a certified Making it Work Instructor?
How did you hear about this opportunity?
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)
If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
Workforce Development Navigator
(Corrections Specialist 3)
Location: Reentry Headquarters | Olympia, WA
Salary Range: $5,398 - $7,254 Monthly
Correctional Industries (CI) is committed to maintaining and expanding incarcerated individual work training programs that develop marketable job skills, promote positive work ethics. Within this commitment, CI is searching for a strong motivator who is detail oriented and has an enthusiasm for supporting successful reentry to join the Reentry Navigator Team as a Workforce Development Navigator (Corrections Specialist 3)! The goal of this position is to increase the employability of incarcerated individuals in preparation for their release, thereby supporting safer and more successful community reintegration.
As a Workforce Development Navigator, you will be responsible for implementing the CI Workforce Development Program within your assigned locations. This includes providing job preparation services for incarcerated individuals to increase their employability in advance of release. The work performed directly supports the Department of Corrections’ mission to improve public safety.
In this role, your responsibilities will also include supporting individuals at your assigned facilities in establishing work history, building soft skills, and obtaining certificates of proficiency. The candidate of choice will be tasked with delivering work-readiness training and coordinating related certifications and consultation services, which contributes to the agency’s strategic priority of supporting successful transitions and reducing recidivism.
CI provides opportunities for incarcerated workers to gain work experience and marketable skills, and through its Workforce Development program, receive assistance in being “work ready” and employable upon release. The program aims to provide a pathway of continuous employment from prison into the community. If you are searching for a meaningful career that will directly impact our communities, we encourage you to apply!
A Completed Application Packet Will Include
- A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
- A detailed resume
- Three professional references
We are looking for teammates who 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 Corrections Specialist 3, some of your duties will include:
- Coordinating, managing, assessing and implementing the Correctional Industries Workforce Development program at their assigned facilities in Western Washington which could include:
- Conducting incarcerated worker evaluations through a regular rotation of assigned facilities
- Assisting incarcerated individuals in developing a release plan and creating “job readiness” packets for eligible individuals who are within 9 months of release
- Coordinating and conducting incarcerated worker training and preparation for mock interview events,
- Providing logistical and organizational support for mock interview events
- Interacting with CI institution staff at all levels, DOC staff from other institutions, state agencies, community partners and non-profit organizations
- Representing the program at DOC meetings relating to post-release employment, workforce development, and reentry
- Coordinating, evaluating, and conducting approved workforce development training and programs
- Implementing and maintaining incarcerated workforce information for their assigned sites
- Other duties as assigned
What we need (required qualifications):
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two (2) years verifiable experience teaching individuals
- Two (2) years supervising incarcerated individuals
- A minimum of three (3) years working with Microsoft Office Suite
- Bachelors degree from a recognized accredited college and/or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Certified Making it Work Instructor
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This 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 that 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 a “drop in” area available, 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
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. 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 07-21-2025
01
Are you a current DOC employee?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Do you have two (2) years of verifiable experience teaching individuals?
- Yes
- No
If you indicated having two years of verifiable experience teaching individuals, please describe this experience in detail. If you do not have this experience, please put NA. See resume will be considered an incomplete answer.
05
Do you have two (2) years supervising incarcerated individuals?
- Yes
- No
If you indicated having two years supervising incarcerated individuals, please describe this experience in detail. If you do not have this experience, please put NA. See resume will be considered an incomplete answer.
07
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years working with Microsoft Office Suite?
- Yes
- No
Please indicate all Microsoft Office Suite products in which you have experience utilizing.
09
Are you a certified Making it Work Instructor?
- Yes
- No
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
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
If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $5,398 - $7,254