Correctional Unit Supervisor

State of Washington

Airway Heights (WA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

The State of Washington Department of Corrections invites qualified applicants for the Correctional Unit Supervisor position at Airway Heights Corrections Center. This is a full-time, permanent role overseeing an I/I living unit, staff, and program operations in compliance with RCWs, WACs, and DOC policies.

Candidates must have the required education and corrections experience, plus two years of supervisory work. Telework may be possible in some duties.

Qualifications

Seven years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years juvenile or adult corrections experience.
Two years of college (60 credits or 90 quarter credits) and five years juvenile or adult corrections experience.
Two years of experience as a supervisor.

Responsibilities

Supervise incarcerated individuals and staff in an I/I living unit.
Plan, direct, and supervise the work of living unit staff including officers and counselors.
Oversee I/I programs within the living unit and ensure compliance with DOC policies.
Participate in hearings, investigations, and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis management

Communication

Supervisory skills

Decision making

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree

Two years college + 5 years experience

Job description

Full-time- Permanent

Description

Correctional Unit Supervisor (CUS)

Washington Management Service (WMS)

Airway Heights Corrections Center

WMS Band 1

Full-time- Permanent

NOTE: This recruitment is open to Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) permanent employees only. The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Correctional Unit Supervisor (CUS) at Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC) located in Airway Heights, Washington.

Airway Heights Corrections Center is a 2000+ bed adult facility located approximately 10 miles west of Spokane. The prison consists of a main facility that houses medium- and long-term minimum-custody incarcerated individuals (I/I). A separate perimeter adjacent to the main facility accommodates a minimum-security unit for I/I's with minimum-custody or lower.

Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all Incarcerated Individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

A Completed Application Packet Will Include

A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position.
A detailed resume; and
Three professional references - A professional reference is identified 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.

Duties

Position Objective

This position is responsible for supervising incarcerated individuals (I/I), staff, and daily operations management of an I/I living unit in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW's), Washington Administrative Code (WAC's), DOC policies, and facility Operational Memoranda (OM).

Supervise, Monitor And Direct The Operations Of a Living Unit To Include Security Practices, Incarcerated Individual (II) Program Assignments, Sanitation Of The Units, And Compliance With DOC Custody Policies And Operational Memoranda

Providing direct supervision and leadership to Classification Counselors, Office Assistant support staff, and Correctional Sergeants who supervise Correctional Officers.
Continuous inspection and review of correctional and security procedures to ensure proper application of directives; analyzing operations and recommending solutions to problems and improvements for efficiency and economy; ensuring all sanitation and security requirements are met.
Assisting with the development and implementation of new or updated DOC policies, Operational Memoranda, and facility rules and procedures relating to facility functions and assigned tasks.

Primary Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

Supervise, monitor and direct the operations of an I/I living unit to include security practices, offender program assignments, sanitation of the units, and compliance with DOC custody policies and operational memoranda.
Plan, direct, and supervise the work of living unit staff, which includes support staff, Classification Counselors, Correctional Officers, and Correctional Sergeants.
Plan, direct, and monitor I/I evidenced based DOC programs within the living unit.
Oversee, conduct, and/or participate in hearings, investigations, and meetings.

Qualifications

HS Diploma/GED Equivalent;

AND

Seven years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and three years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience.

Satisfactory completion of two years of college (60 credits or 90 quarter credits) and five years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience

AND

Two years of experience as a supervisor. (This experience may be gained concurrently with the required experience above)
Demonstrated ability to provide positive leadership in times of stress, conflict, and unforeseen events, remaining calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervene in response to threats

*Note: Corrections experience is defined as the focus of the work is supervising or counseling incarcerated individuals (I/I) a majority of the time.

Note: All college degrees must be 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).

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

A working knowledge of DOC Policies, Revised Code of Washington (RCW's), Washington Administrative Code (WAC's), and facility Operational Memoranda (OM).
A working knowledge of I/I management and supervision, including behavior management, classification process, sanitation, and security and safety.
Understanding of incarcerated individual programs including preparation for transition back into society.

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.

Our Core Values

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.
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.
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.
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.
Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

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. If authorized for the role, 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 vacation days a year
8 hours of paid sick leave per month
12 paid holidays a year
3 days of bereavement leave 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 josalyn.cork@doc1.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

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 employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rated basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rated basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01 Are you a current, permanent, Washington State Department of Corrections employee?

02 Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

03 Do you possess seven (7) years or more of juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody, or community corrections, professional counseling, or casework experience; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and three years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience; OR Satisfactory completion of two years of college (60 credits or 90 quarter credits) and five years juvenile or adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections or professional counseling or casework experience?

04 If you answered yes to the above question, please provide a brief explanation of how, where, and when you gained your qualifications as stated above. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

05 Do you possess a working knowledge of DOC Policies, Revised Code of Washington (RCW's), Washington Administrative Code (WAC's), and facility Operational Memoranda (OM)?

06 Do you possess two (2) years of experience as a supervisor* (This experience may be gained concurrently with the required experience above.)

07 If you answered yes to the above question, please provide a brief explanation of how, where, and when you gained your qualifications as stated above. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

08 If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (Yes or No) The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents [suggested link to I-9 documents]

09 If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?