Job Description

Posting number: HS-WCCW-2026-08056

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Division: HS - WCCW

Job classification: CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections, Health Services, Medical/Dental, Health Care Support, Medical

Summary

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Corrections Specialist 2- Patient Care Navigator

Full-Time, Permanent

Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW)

Gig Harbor, WA

Monday-Friday 0700- 1530

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Corrections Specialist 2- Patient Care Navigator for the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) located in Gig Harbor, Washington.

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 building relationships with vulnerable populations. The Care Navigator works collaboratively with the Care Manager, RN, 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.

The Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) is a 62.6-acre facility located approximately two miles from Gig Harbor. The site includes living units, administration buildings, a health clinic, education buildings, a gymnasium, a chapel, industries buildings, food service buildings and support facilities.

Correctional Health is a rewarding career path at DOC, in which health care professionals treat a wide array of cases for patients residing in a state correctional facility. Health Services is responsible for basic primary care for incarcerated individuals. All disciplines within all of the 12 correctional facilities work closely together to reach a common goal, providing the best, most efficient, and cost-effective health care possible. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care.

If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include and IS REQUIRED:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding your interest and outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

***This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacant positions

Examples of duties

Duties will include:

Assist patients in navigating diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other complex 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.
• Collaborates with physicians, peers, community colleagues and others to coordinate care across the health care continuum continually improving patient care and services.

Works quickly to eliminate barriers and challenges associated with cross continuum care coordination that might adversely impact patient care.

• Works to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes.
• Accesses and acts on information related to denials and barriers to ensure effective continuity of care.
• Refer quality, infection control and risk management issues to the appropriate individual or department.
• Works with patients and refers complex cases to the primary care team to facilitate timely multidisciplinary case conferences.

Responsible for serving as patient liaison and advocate for vulnerable patient populations to achieve quality patient focused outcomes.

• Provides liaison services between provider and clients. Assists clients in completing forms and applications to receive services.
• Assists patients along their care pathway by serving as an advocate.
• Shares assessments and patient response; remains a support system throughout the patient’s course of treatment.
• Provides education and logistical support.
• Provides education and support to promote patient coping skills, ensures that patient understands follow-up and referral information.
• Maintains ongoing communication with patients to check progress.
• Collaborates with the patient, patient representatives and interdisciplinary team.
• Provide relevant education and information regarding resources to patient/surrogate.
• Provides support for patients after hospitalization or infirmary stay to promote self-care.
• Partners with and supports care teams in patient care activities and care transitions.
• Ensures that patients receive education of health and wellness activities, disease process and DOC 03-446 (Rev. 11/23/20) 3 of 7 DOC 820.200 interventions, next steps, and other critical factors in overall health maintenance.
• Meet with patients within fourteen days of being notified to discuss Gender Affirming care and potential need.

Actively Participate in Clinic/ Facility Wide Coordinated Quality Improvement, Meetings, Projects and Programs.

• Maintains current knowledge of departmental policies/standards/procedures, new clinical procedures/processes, patient safety goals, core measure quality indicators and other issues/requirements.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain processes.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the Guidelines for Healthcare of Transgender Individuals.
• Assist treatment providers with case management and case tracking.
• Attend the Gender Affirming Pre-Surgical MDT meeting, Transgender Cultural Awareness meeting, LGBTQ+ Peer Support group and other meetings as scheduled.

Establish rapport that preserve professional boundaries with patients. Other duties as assigned.

• Basic Knowledge of appropriate boundaries and limits around personal self-disclosure when working as a member of health and support services.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication.
• Sensitivity to coordination of care requirements for all patients.
• Assist clients in achieving identified health improvement and stabilization goals.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience in a health care setting.
• Experience in case management in adult or juvenile corrections, social services, or closely related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic medical concepts, patient assessment and care planning, and medical record management.
• 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.

Supplemental information

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:

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• 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.
• 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.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

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.

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:

• 3 days of Bereavement Leave
• 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!

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.

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 email Angela Berrier at amberrier@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509. 540.7078. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.