Classification Counselor 2
Full Time | Permanent
Location: Washington Corrections Center for Women | Gig Harbor, WA
Salary Range: $5,855 - $7,869 Monthly
This recruitment will fill two, non-permanent positions, both represented by the Teamsters 117 bargaining unit.
This posting is open to current DOC employees only.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking two highly interested and qualified individuals to fill the role of Classification Counselor 2 at the Washington Corrections Center for Women! The goal of this role is to provide professional classification guidance with the goal of placing incarcerated individuals in the least restrict custody designation.
As a Classification Counselor 2, you will meet the needs of the agency in providing for the safety of the public, staff, visitors and incarcerated individuals. You will support 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.
You may perform tasks such as counseling and informing Incarcerated Individuals regarding community resources and problems they might encounter in their transition to work release, parole, or release, working with internal and external entities to facilitate Incarcerated Individuals re-entry into the community, and enforcing court ordered conditions and impose DOC conditions.
You may 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, and write correspondences, infractions, and incident reports.
We are searching for individuals who will provide clear, concise, and consistent communication with staff, Incarcerated Individuals, and stakeholders. If you are excited about working in public service while positively changing lives, 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 Classification Counselor 2, some of your duties will include:
- Managing a caseload of Incarcerated Individuals which could include:
- Investigating all information available for each arriving Incarcerated Individual and determine the Incarcerated Individuals’ documentation and programming needs
- Administering Risk Assessment Tools
- Collecting information to complete facility plans, criminal history and risk management tools to determine needs
- Preparing and submitting incarcerated individuals Release Plan
- Provide effective communication and documentation
- Navigate and maintain multiple electronic technologies and hard copy files
- Perform other duties as assigned or required
What we need (required qualifications):
- Five years of experience in adult corrections*, juvenile corrections, rehabilitation or social casework
OR
- Three years of experience in adult corrections*, juvenile corrections, rehabilitation or social casework
AND
- Satisfactory completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
OR
- One year as a Classification Counselor 1 in Washington State
AND
- Satisfactory completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
*Note: Corrections experience means the focus of the work is dealing directly with inmates a majority of the time.
In addition to the above education and experience, the below knowledge, skills and/or abilities are required:
- Ability to:
- Write clearly, factually, and concisely
- Analyze and interpret data, weigh the risks, and make decisions or recommendations to address staff and offender needs
- Identify and address offender 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 make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):
- Rapid problem solving ability
- Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback/criticism
- Ability to work independently
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.
Telework Details
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!
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.
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.