Job Description

Posting number: 2026-04997

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Job classification: CLASSIFICATION COUNSELOR 3 - TEAMSTERS

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections

Classification Counselor 3
Full-Time Permanent Position
Salary Range: $6,945-$9,341 Monthly
Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC)

This job advertisement will be used to fill Multiple positions within MCC

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Classification Counselor 3 at the Monroe Correctional Complex, Washington.

If you are excited to make a difference in the lives of others and join a team that works towards a meaningful purpose, apply to be a Classification Counselor 3 at Monroe Correctional Complex with the Department of Corrections (DOC).

The Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) is a 1500 bed male all-custody level facility located 30 miles northeast of Seattle. Employing approximately 1200 staff, the complex consists of five major units: the Washington State Reformatory Unit (WSRU), Sky River Unit (SRU), a large mental health in patient treatment unit, Twin Rivers Unit (TRU), Intensive Management Unit (IMU), and the Minimum-Security Unit (MSU). Services provided at the Monroe Correctional Complex include custody and security, classification, education, offender work programs, health care (both patient and outpatient), mental health care, sex offender treatment, food service, maintenance, personnel, recreation, volunteer services, religious services, library services, Incarcerated Individual records, visiting and extended family visits.

The Department of Corrections (DOC), as a partner in the criminal justice system, enhances public safety, administers criminal sanctions and programs in accordance with the law and provides leadership for the future of corrections in Washington State. Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

The Classification Counselor 3 provides professional classification expertise with the goal of placing incarcerated individuals in the least restrictive custody designation, while meeting the need to provide for the safety of the public, staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals. This position focuses on positive outcomes and performance for incarcerated individuals – not just placing an incarcerated individual in any program but matching the needs of the incarcerated individual to the most relevant program to ensure the biggest impact and further supporting the agency’s mission to improve public safety by collaborating with community resources and stakeholders to promote successful transition of incarcerated individuals into the community.

Examples of duties

Manage a caseload of adult criminal incarcerated individuals:

• Handles complex and non-routine caseloads.
• Investigate all information available for each arriving incarcerated individual and determine the incarcerated individual’s documentation and programming needs.
• Administer Risk Assessment Tools.
• Assume delegated responsibilities of unit supervisor in their absence.
• Mentor, train, monitor, and audit the work of subordinate and/or other lower level staff.
• Assign and evaluate work.
• Facilitate meetings
• May be responsible for supervising and completing performance development plans for subordinate staff.
• Collect information to complete facility plans, criminal history and risk management tools to determine needs.
• Prepare and submit incarcerated individual release Plan
• Counsel and inform incarcerated individuals regarding community resources and problems they might encounter in their transition to work release, parole, or release. Work with internal and external entities to facilitate incarcerated Individuals re-entry into the community.
• Enforce court ordered conditions and impose DOC sanctions.
• Participate in Risk Management/multi-disciplinary teams.
• Maintain communication with incarcerated individuals to assist with attorney calls, child custody/support hearings with DSHS and courts, and family contact through crisis/emergency situations.
• Arrange translator services.
• Evaluate incarcerated individuals for early release.
• Regularly review and update incarcerated Individuals plans and programming needs.
• Prepare Mutual Agreement plans and coordinate with other facilities for acceptance.
• Monitor incarcerated individuals’ programming and behaviors.

• Exercise sound judgment, aligned with Department Policy, in decisions concerning sanctions, treatment, and education referrals.

Navigate and maintain multiple electronic technologies and hard copy files:

• Record, access, update, and/or retrieve incarcerated individual-related information from agency database.

• Maintain electronic and hard copy incarcerated individual file to accurately reflect current incarcerated Individual r status.

Perform other tasks as assigned:

• Perform essential audits and investigations.
• Work with unit staff, as well as with other sections of the facility, to resolve inmate problems.
• If required, conduct/facilitate training.
• In an emergent situation, transport incarcerated individuals and perform searches and other security functions.
• Communicate security concerns to supervisor and other staff.
• Write, review, and provide input to institution policies.
• Serve legal documents to incarcerated individuals.

Qualifications

Two years or more as a ClassificationCounselor2 in Washington State Service. In addition, this position requires:

Training - Experience training, mentoring, and coaching staff.

Ability to:

• Write clearly, factually, and concisely.

• Analyze and interpret data, weigh the risks, and make decisions or recommendations to address staff and incarcerated individuals' needs.

• Identify and address incarcerated individuals' behavior/needs.

• Organize and prioritize work.

• Apply conflict resolution skills.

Observation - Observes and strategizes personal action based on environmental conditions and human behavior.

Technology - Learns and utilizes computer-based applications in the performance of job duties.

Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.

Professional Standards - Knows and applies relevant law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to established productivity standards and timelines. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.

Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.

What will set your application apart:

Ability to work independently.
Rapid problem-solving ability.
Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback/criticism.

Supplemental information

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values

1. 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.
2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates 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.
3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
4. 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.
5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

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:

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  • Please include a minimum of three professional references, a resume and a cover letter 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.
  • **Failure to provide this information may result in your application not being considered for this position. **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

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!

PERS: 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.

OR

PSERS: Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email evarlyn.onyambu@doc1.wa.gov o. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.