Correctional Officer 1, (Co2) Bellingham Reentry Center

Salary: $3,844.00 - $6,124.00 Monthly
Location : Whatcom County - Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-02006
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Reentry - Work Release
Opening Date: 02/13/2024
Closing Date: 5/31/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Corrections and Custody Officer 1 (CO2)Bellingham Work Release
Permanent/Non-Permanent/ On Call
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies
The Mission of Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
The Department of Corrections Reentry Division is seeking highly motivated and qualified individuals to fill permanent, non-permanent, and on-call positions of Corrections & Custody Officer 1 or (CO2), depending on experience. This position is located at the Bellingham Reentry Center, in Bellingham, WA.
Salary Information:
Corrections & Custody Officer 1: $3,844 - $5154/month
Corrections & Custody Officer 2: $4,557 - $6,124/month
Corrections & Custody Officer 1 On Call - $22.09 - $29.62
Corrections & Custody Officer 2: On Call - $26.19 - $35.20
The BellinghamReentry Center is a state-operated facility staffed by the Department of Corrections. This facility operates 24/7, and houses both male and female incarcerated individual residents.
BRC is located in the northwest corner of Washington State, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. BRC is a 50-bed co-ed facility operating in two side-by-side buildings in a downtown college area of Bellingham. BRC has operated since 1976 and has been in its current location since 1981. Our facility consists of a four-level 116year-old Victorian home and a six-year old four-level apartment style residence. BRC's primary goal is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. To accomplish this, we assist residents with re-establishing positive family ties, employment and education support and other services that aid in their transition back to the community.
About the Agency
DOC's mission is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. We lead the nation with innovative and evidence-based practices that are aimed at reducing recidivism and improving public safety. Our employees find this profession both challenging and rewarding as they work together with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to facilitate change in incarcerated individuals' lives. Community corrections staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.
Application Process
To be considered for this position, please apply directly at to this announcement. As part of a complete application package, you must:

• Provide a complete work history.
• Include three (3) professional references on your application. See Supplemental Information section of this posting for an explanation of who meets the definition of a professional reference. (Phone number and e-mail address are required for each professional reference)

Please note: Incomplete application packages may disqualify an application from the selection process. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the Supplemental Questions section of this application.
Duties
Bellingham Reentry Center is an adult correctional facility in a minimum custody setting. This position provides safety and security, and assists in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities of the adult incarcerated individuals within the facility in accordance with established department methods and procedures.
This position performs the following work:

• Maintain security of BRC and control movement into, out of, and within BRC in accordance with established department methods and procedures.
• Monitor incarcerated individual activities and movement by observing incarcerated individual activity at close range or at a distance and visually monitoring all security areas.
• Drive incarcerated individuals to employment, medical appointments/etc.
• Monitor incarcerated individuals, visitor, and staff movement by using facility cameras.
• Conduct formal and informal counts to account for incarcerated individuals.
• Operate communication devices such as two-way radio, telephone, etc., to convey information among personnel and to refer callers to appropriate areas.
• Read, understand, and follow Post Orders.
• Maintain proper use, control, and accountability of keys, tools, and equipment.
• Strictly adhere to established staff safety practices and maintain personal accountability for the safety of self and others. Actively support and participate in safety and security exercises and drills.
• Advise incarcerated individuals concerning rules, regulations, procedures, institution programs, policies, and behavior standards; investigate and respond to incarcerated individuals complaints.
• Effectively communicate with incarcerated individuals, staff and visitors in routine and emergent situations.
• Utilize electronic security devices such as radios and body alarms as appropriate and as necessary to ensure the safety of self or others.
• Direct resistive and non-resistive incarcerated individuals to maintain the orderly operation of the facility
• Conduct orientation for all new Reentry Center incarcerated individuals.
• Conduct inspections and searches of incarcerated individuals, incarcerated individual's property, incarcerated individual living and program areas, and other areas of the facility.
• Conduct inspections and searches of staff and visitors, including personal belongings and vehicles.
• Seize dangerous items, evidence, contraband, and controlled or unauthorized substances.
• Write incident or disciplinary reports detailing incarcerated individual behavior and violations of rules and regulations.
• Maintain daily activity logs.

Qualifications
REQUIRED:
To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 1 (CO1) level

• Graduation from high school or GED
• Valid Driver's license

To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO 2) level you must have:

• One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program. OR
• Graduation from high school or GED and one year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.
• Valid Driver's License

Supplemental Information
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.
• This position may be included in a Union Shop.

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
• 11 paid holidays a year (12 in 2022 for Juneteenth)
• 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 haliegh.sookram@doc.wa.gov 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employee...