Communications Consultant 2 | Executive Policy Office

Salary: $4,621.00 - $6,208.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2024-00024
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: BSTA - Executive Policy Office
Opening Date: 01/02/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Communications Consultant 2 | Executive Policy Office
Full Time | Non- Permanent
Location: Tumwater, WA
Salary Range: $4,621 - $6,208 Monthly
This position is expected to last up to three months.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a qualified and self-directed individual to fill the non-permanent role of Communications Consultant 2(CC2) within the Executive Policy Office. The goal of this position is to coordinate, review, plan, organize and ensure consistent correspondence throughout the Department and serve as a point of contact for the community and DOC staff.
In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing outgoing correspondence to ensure agency consistency and thoroughness. The CC2 supports the department's mission of improving public safety by positively changing lives through ensuring customers and constituents have access to information and facilitating consistent, accurate and timely information and resolution through the correspondence phone line or shared email inbox.
The position also supports the values of respectful and inclusive interactions and cultivating an environment of integrity and trust through partnerships and communication efforts. If you are excited about the possibility of providing consistent correspondence throughout the agency that aligns with best practices and agency policies, we encourage you to apply!
A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• Three professional references

Duties
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 aCommunications Consultant 2, some of your duties will include:

• Consulting with agency staff and external stakeholders to determine most appropriate methods and techniques for agency information sharing and response including:
  1. Following processes in place to log all incoming and outgoing correspondence
  2. Reviewing and monitoring agency website for content consistency and accuracy
  3. Working with the agency web team to identify content improvement relating to current stakeholder needs
  4. Assisting the agency in responding to emergent situations by providing information in critical work situations related to social media, press release, and community/internal emergent events
• Serving as the primary staff member to provide and facilitate the department's correspondence to include:
  1. Consulting with team lead and supervisor on client/customer relations issues from a correspondence unit perspective
  2. Producing statistical information, identifying trends and issues that may advise agency actions and policy updates
  3. Responding directly to written, telephonic or electronic correspondence from constituents, government agencies, legislators, families and various stakeholders, or forwards to appropriate subject matter expert, as appropriate
• Conducting correspondence customer service training on best practices and agency policies
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• An Associate's degree

AND

• Three years of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems

OR

• A Bachelor's degree

AND

• One year of progressive experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems

OR

• Equivalent experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems will substitute education on a year-for-year basis
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Intermediate level of proficiency in using effective verbal communication skills
• Intermediate level of proficiency in using effective written communication skills
• Intermediate ability to organize, multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Advanced level of demonstrated positive and professional interpersonal relationship skills
• Advanced ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Advanced ability to work independently.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• An Associate's degree AND four years of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems;

OR

• A Bachelor's degree AND two years of progressive experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems;

OR

• Equivalent experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems. Basic level of proficiency with Microsoft Teams.
• Basic level of proficiency with OnBase
• Self-motivated

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.
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:

• 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.

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!

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 Coll...