Community Corrections Officer 2 (Or CCO1 In-Training) - Special Needs Unit - Tacoma

State of Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Personal leave day

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

Washington State Department of Corrections in Tacoma seeks a Community Corrections Officer 2 (or CCO1 in-training) to supervise individuals under agency jurisdiction within the Pierce County Special Needs Unit. This role may be appointed at CCO1 or directly at CCO2 level, with an in-training plan and growth path.

The position runs 0800–1700, Monday–Friday, and involves investigations, intake, risk assessments, and enforcing court-ordered conditions.

Qualifications

• Any of the following education/experience combos meet minimum qualifications.
• Ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.
• Ability to operate a vehicle in Washington state and maintain license.
• Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning.
• Experience with evaluating risk factors and supervising individuals under jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Supervise S/Is and enforce supervision conditions and laws.
• Conduct investigations, intake, and risk/needs assessments.
• Manage electronic and hardcopy files and reports.
• Engage with clients using Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change.
• Present documentation and provide sanction recommendations in courts/hearings.
• Identify resources and coordinate referrals to support services.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Investigations

Court testimony

Risk assessment

Case management

Motivational interviewing

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or technical degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Firearms familiarity

CRIMINAL justice software

Job description

Community Corrections Officer 2 (or CCO1 In-training)
Community Corrections Division

Tacoma, WA

[DOC WFSE CCO1* Monthly Salary Range 49: $4,880.00 to $6,563.00]

[DOC WFSE CCO2 Monthly Salary Range 57: $5,948.00 to $7,994.00]

Salary depends on qualifications.

*Minimum starting salary for a CCO1 placement begins at Step G ($5,659.00/monthly).

• If you are viewing this posting from an external job site (such as Indeed), copy/paste the following link to search and apply to this and other WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) positions: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/doc.
• Our agency offers a free ORCA (transportation) card to all employees whose permanent duty station is assigned in King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties.
• We posted another CCO recruitment in the Tacoma area that works with the Special Assault Unit (SAU). If you are interested in both positions, you must apply to each. Here's the link to the other recruitment: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5516555/community-corrections-officer-2-or-cco1-in-training-special-assault-unit-ta.

DOC’s Mission is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

We are actively recruiting to fill a full-time, permanent Community Corrections Officer 2 (CCO2) vacancy within the Community Corrections Division. This position works for the Pierce County Special Needs Unit (SNU) at 514 South 13th Street, Tacoma, WA 98402.

The Pierce County SNU

supervises a caseload of individuals who have a serious mental illness involving cases where individuals have been found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and Special Finding of Violent Felony cases, along with those who have been sentenced to the Mental Health Sentencing Alternative. This unit works closely with mental health providers in the community.

The CCO2 has an in‑training plan attached.Depending on your qualifications, you may be appointed at the CCO1 level or directly at the CCO2 level. As a CCO2 (or CCO1 In‑training), you will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to the agency’s mission to improve public safety by supporting the effective supervision and accountability of supervised individuals (S/Is) under agency jurisdiction. Supervision efforts will focus on S/I accountability and intervention to enhance and support a safe reentry into the community. Shift hours: 0800-1700 Monday-Friday.

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our community and our agency. If you have a passion for service - review, decide, and apply!

What is a Community Corrections Officer (CCO)?

In other states, a CCO equivalent position may be described as a Probation and Parole Officer. For more information about CCOs and other positions within our agency, including the hiring process and training involved, visit: Jobs & Employment | Washington State Department of Corrections.

What is the Community Corrections Division (CCD)?

CCD offers guidance, support, and program opportunities for individuals returning to the community. For more information about CCD's priorities & goals, strategies, objectives, and performance measures, review the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan E Book. Supervise criminal S/Is (supervised individuals) ordered to supervision in the community in accordance with Washington State law, Interstate Compact Rules/Regulations, and agency policy and within prescribed timeframes.

• Conduct investigations, searches, issue warrants, and make arrests.
• Complete intake.
• Administer assessments (risk, needs, substance abuse).
• Manage electronic and hardcopy files and reports.

Engage with S/Is to work towards positive change by using communication strategies.

• Motivational Interviewing to enhance the S/I’s intrinsic motivation to change.
• Principles of Effective Interventions to interact with S/Is and to manage behavior.

Enforce supervision conditions and the law.

• Present accurate written documentation and oral testimony and make appropriate sanction recommendations for courts and/or hearings.
• Identify, collect, document, process, and maintain evidence and information, ensuring proper chain of custody and storage.
• Exercise sound judgment and follow Department policies, procedures, and protocols regarding the appropriate maintenance, security, handling, and discharge of department-issued firearms.
• Ensure proper safety and security measures are in place while armed and having S/I contact outside of the office environment to include wearing a safety vest as outlined in policy.

Other duties as assigned.

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS OFFICER 1 (CCO1) MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have one of the following combinations of qualifying education and/or professional work or volunteer experience in adult or juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or closely related field:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent AND at least four years of the qualifying experience listed above.
  • Associate or technical degree from an accredited institution AND two years of the qualifying experience listed above.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and/or experience totaling four years.
• Must have the ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.
• Must possess and maintain an unrestricted vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Washington.
• Must have the willingness and ability to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors; review graphic materials; and remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision.
• AND must have the demonstrated ability through college-level coursework or experience in three or more of the following:
  • Written Communication skills: Clear, factual, concise, grammatically correct work.
  • Critical Thinking: Evaluate and interpret, assess the situation, evaluate risk, separate fact and opinion, make informed conclusions, formulate courses of action, implement sound decisions.
  • Analytical Reasoning: Interpret data, weigh the risks, break down larger issues identify solutions, make decisions or recommendations.
  • Conflict Resolution: Observe and strategize personal interactions based on environmental conditions and human behavior, identify behaviors/needs, engage in a positive and constructive manner, acknowledge opposing opinions/thoughts, recognize issues, seek collaboration, communicate feedback, identify resources, promote a positive outcome.
  • Situational Awareness: Remain calm and rational during difficult situations, proactively assess volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations, recall facts, document details.
  • Problem Solving: Identify problems, identify causes, seek input, assess outcomes, implement solutions. Organizational Skill – prioritize, plan, minimize distraction, assess progress, manage timeframes, detail orientation, time management.
  • Work independently: Learn duties, understand job expectations, comply with policy/procedure, meet productivity standards/timelines, identify training need/opportunities, engage team members/mentors, seek guidance/help when needed.
  • Flexibility: Incorporate new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accept change and support the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.

Qualifying higher education must be from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent.

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS OFFICER 2 (CCO2) MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have one of the following combinations of qualifying education and/or professional work experience in adult or juvenile corrections, counseling, social work, social services, law enforcement, or closely related field:
  • One year experience as a Community Corrections Officer (CCO) within the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC).
  • Associate or technical degree from a recognized college or educational institution AND three years of the professional work experience listed above.
  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or institution AND one year of the professional work experience listed above.
  • Or an equivalent combination of qualifying education and/or professional work experience totaling five years.
• Must have the ability to carry and properly utilize a department-issued firearm.
• Must possess and maintain an unrestricted vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Washington.
• Must have the willingness and ability to work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors; review graphic materials; and remain objective when dealing with individuals under supervision.
• AND must have the demonstrated ability through college-level coursework or professional work experience in three or more of the following:
  • Making field visits.
  • Preparing written correspondence, reports, and/or documents.
  • Assessing cases and making recommendations.
  • Referring people to appropriate resources.
  • Presenting cases in court or hearings.
  • Completing assessments of risk factors.
  • Designing, monitoring, and/or facilitating treatment plans.
  • Determining and making referrals to resources as appropriate (chemical dependency, substance abuse, family counseling, job training assistance, etc.).
  • Maintaining official records and tracking supervised individuals/residents' progress and compliance.
  • Assisting supervised individuals/residents who are unable to independently access support systems or community resources such as those providing food, clothing, or monetary assistance and shelter.
  • Making sound case management decisions under stressful conditions and to understand and interpret detailed legal documents accurately.
  • Using computer and software to enter, retrieve, and store data.
  • Managing caseloads with conflicting priorities.
  • Identifying community-based resources for treatment and programming to help supervised individuals/residents meet their needs.
  • Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with program participants, staff at all levels within the agency, and with a broad range of system- and community-based external stakeholder organizations.
  • Work independently and in close collaboration with system- and community-based stakeholders.

NOTE: Permanent CCO2 positions have an in‑training plan attached. Depending on your qualifications, permanent placements may be filled directly at the CCO2 level or at the CCO1 level with a one year in‑training plan. The in‑training appointment is designated as and runs concurrently with a probation or trial service period. Upon successful completion of the CCO1 training requirements, you will advance to the CCO2 level and will continue with a six‑month trial service period. Upon completion, you will gain permanent status as a CCO2. Permanent status is not gained at the CCO1 level. In‑training plans do not apply to non‑permanent recruitments.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment (all CCO levels)

• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
• Complete and pass the psychological screening (Battery Exam and Psychological Interview/Evaluation).
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.
• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in‑service, and other required training.
• Become familiar and comply with all department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements, as applicable.
• Successfully complete the Firearms Academy and Control/Impedance Tactics (CIT) training within prescribed timeframes. This requirement includes:
  • Maintaining eligibility to possess and use a firearm under federal and state laws.
  • Maintaining qualifications per department training standards with department-issued firearms and with Intermediate Force options (e.g., OC 'pepper' spray or electronic immobilization devices).
  • Maintaining CIT qualifications.
  • Completing all agency requalification training and an annual criminal history clearance to remain armed.

Note for Internal DOC Employees: Staff who do not qualify for legacy status under the provisions for arming are required to be armed and must be willing and able to possess and use a firearm under federal and state law; maintain firearm qualifications; and successfully complete ongoing training requirements associated with mandatory arming and potential use of force.

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.

For more information about our agency, visit our Mission & Vision.

The WA State Department of Corrections (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 used to fill more than one position. If this position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), this recruitment may be used to fill additional positions up to sixty days after all listed positions have been filled.
• References: A minimum of three professional references with a valid email and phone number for each is required. Although current and recent supervisors are preferred, 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, include non‑related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. If you are entering your references in the online application (preferred), complete the following fields:
  • First and Last name
  • Title (include their relationship to you, for example: Field Administrator, former supervisor)
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Address Line 1 (list the name of the reference's organization)
• Salary is based on skills and abilities that apply to the primary functions of the role and/or years of experience and is decided at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A‑M. Within a permanent salary range, step M is a longevity step, it is typically gained six years after being assigned to step L.
• Work with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals: This position may work directly with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Take this into account before applying.
• Background and criminal record history checks will be conducted prior to employment. Information gathered may not preclude employment, but it will be considered in determining your suitability for the position.
• Pre‑employment drug test: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre‑employment process. Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance may 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 you could expect in this position.
• 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 Form I‑9’s list of acceptable documents. Note: DOC does not use E‑Verify. We are not able to partake in STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT).
• Foreign equivalent degrees: If your degree was awarded outside the United States, you may be required to provide a credential evaluation report if your education is used to meet the minimum requirements. Request a report from wes.org and aice‑eval.org.
• Represented position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

What We Offer

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 a generous retirement plan and a comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, additional perks also may include:

• Fourteen to twenty‑five paid vacation days per year, depending on years of service and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) if a represented position
• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month
• Twelve paid holidays per year (includes one personal holiday)
• One personal leave day per year (in accordance with the CBA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• And more! Visit our benefits page for more information.

Retirement Options

• 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, visit the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) or call 800-547-6657.
• PSERS: Many positions within DOC are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a PERS‑eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they will retire under two different systems/plans. Contact DRS for more information.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Recruiter at [e-mail] or [phone]. Make sure you refer to the 2026‑ requisition/job number listed above.

For TTY service, call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.