Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06884

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Job classification: CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Corrections

The candidate of choice must be comfortable working in a Prison environment as you will be required to work in facility daily.

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to take on the dynamic role of a full-time non-permanent Corrections Specialist 2 at WCCW located in Gig Harbor, WA. This position is anticipated to last 12 months.

If you are interested in applying and would like to be considered, please complete the full online application, attach a current Letter of Interest (preferably no more than two (2) pages) indicating how you meet the qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate for the position, and a current Resume

AGENCY PROFILE:

Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) is Washington State's largest correctional facility serving women and the state's multi-custody-level facility and Reception Diagnostic Center for women. WCCW serves individuals across minimum, medium, and close custody levels and operates within a complex correctional environment requiring strong collaboration among facility leadership, custody, programs, health services, legal partners, courts, families, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.

Our mission at the Department of Corrections is to 'improve public safety by positively changing lives'. With more than 9,000 employees, we recognize that staff are our greatest asset, and the efforts of our dedicated workforce have garnered national recognition! Whether the work is inside a prison, out in the field, or an administrative office, DOC staff experience a high degree of personal reward knowing their efforts are creating an environment in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to safer communities

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 I/I’s can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

Examples of duties

The Corrections Specialist 2 serves as a key advisor and administrative resource to the Superintendent and facility leadership team. This position directly supervises two administrative support professionals and provides leadership, direction, coaching, and oversight to ensure effective delivery of critical administrative services. This position manages several highly visible and complex administrative programs that support legal compliance, transparency, access to justice, communication, accountability, and effective facility operations.

Legal Liaison Officer:

• Serve as conduit between Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and facility staff.
• Schedule attorney meetings, staff, and incarcerated individual depositions at the facility.
• Review, compiles information, and responds to requests.
• Prepares legal declarations and responses on behalf of the facility and the Department.
• Manage and oversee the scheduling and management of virtual hearings and appearances to ensure incarcerated individuals have proper legal access within the facility.
• Provides notary service.

Public Information Officer:

• Act as spokesperson for facility and maintain working relationships with public, outside organizations, and the media.
• Communicate with staff, incarcerated individuals, attorneys, AGO, and media.
• Point of contact for tours, trains other staff selected to facilitate tours, and ensure all access, background, and other required documents are process for access to the facility.
• Arrange meetings/phone calls for foreign consulates, Bureau of Prisons representatives, OMBUDS, Census Bureau and Disability Rights Washington (DRW).

Audit Compliance Coordinator:

• Represent the supervisor at meetings, conferences, and conventions, serving as their spokesperson on agency matters; attend civic functions on behalf of the facility.
• Responsible for the retention and backup of all historical documents and information for the facility and archive room. Assist the Administrative Assistant 4 in the Superintendent’s office by advising on document retention issues and obtaining approvals for record destruction in accordance with established Records Retention Schedules.
• Serves as the direct supervisor of two staff members: Administrative Assistant 3 (Operational Memorandum Coordinator) and the Administrative Assistant 2 (Virtual Hearings Coordinator) providing leadership, direction and performance oversight.
• Acts as Audit Coordinator of operational reviews, Corrective Action Plans (CAPS), safety inspections, and security audits.

Also serves as Public Disclosure Coordinator and provides additional administrative support to the facility Superintendent.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent education and four years' experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work.
• Two years' experience working in a correctional setting.
• Ability to obtain notary credentials within first 90 days after appointment.
• Knowledge of Public Disclosure Act (RCW 42.56).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of government organizations and functions; administrative and office procedures, research, and data collection; policies of the Department of Corrections and local Operational memorandums; the courts and legal system' legal research; policy development; record retention, media relations; public information; public disclosure.
• Knowledge and understanding of the field of corrections, Revised Code of Washington; and Washington Administrative Code.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) with excellent grammar; interpret policy, compose and respond to communications from staff, inmates, courts, and the Attorney General's Office; interpersonal skills to develop working relationships with all areas of the department, facility and the public; manage, mentor and train staff, make effective decisions, anticipate, advise, and coordinate long range planning for the areas of responsibility and communicate well under trying circumstances (emergencies) for extended periods of time.
• Working knowledge of public information systems and legal issues. Above average communication and interpersonal skills. Supervisory and Management experience.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff to include management.
• Demonstrated ability in business writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in the performance of this role.
• Ability to work under extreme stress.
• Ability to use discretion and independent judgment.
• Monitor, track and work with stakeholders to ensure Operational Memorandums are updated and current.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration or closely related field from recognized accredited college or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Supplemental information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: To improve 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.

*The 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 on the first day of employment.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

**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.
  
  

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 kimberly.pena@doc1.wa.gov or 253-858-4276. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.