Corrections Deputy - Entry Level

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GI Bill Approved OJT

12 months training benefits

Hiring incentive programs

Job summary

Pierce County Sheriff's Office is hiring Corrections Deputies to supervise inmates and maintain order in two facilities. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, United States citizenship or eligible status, and successful completion of required training.

New hires may receive incentives, GI Bill Approved On-the-Job-Training during training, and 12 months of benefits for the Corrections Training Program. A pre-employment process includes exams, background checks, and interviews.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must be 20 years or older at appointment.
• US citizenship or eligible status required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control inmate activities, individually or in groups.
• Supervise inmates during meals, visitation, recreation, and work.
• Take emergency action when necessary, including de-escalation and use of force.
• Conduct security checks and maintain jail security in all areas.
• Write all required reports and investigate suspected rule violations.
• Book, search, and release prisoners; respond to calls and monitor access.
• Operate corrections automated systems and communicate clearly with diverse people.

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

• Now Offering a $10,000 Hiring Incentive for Entry Level Corrections Deputy!
• New lateral hires receive a hiring incentive of $25,000 and 80 hours of sick leave available immediately and 80 hours of vacation leave available for use after six months of employment.
• We also provide GI Bill Approved On-the Job-Training (OJT) Program eligible for VA Benefits during the training program.
• Corrections Training Program is certified for 12 months of benefits.

About the Sheriff’s Office

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has over 300 corrections staff who maintain the safety of the community by supervising approximately 1100 inmates in two facilities as well as providing for the movement between the Pierce County Corrections Detention Center and the courts. As a corrections deputy, you will work in the housing units. Corrections deputies hold a limited commission and are armed.

Why it's a great opportunity

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office prides itself on upholding our Core Values: Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility. Pierce County Sheriff’s corrections deputies are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism to serve citizens and help make Pierce County one of the best places to live and work in the beautiful Great Northwest. We also provide GI Bill Approved On-the Job-Training (OJT) Program eligible for VA Benefits during the training program. Corrections Training Program is certified for 12 months of benefits.

Future Opportunities

The Sheriff’s Office has a variety of assignments available for corrections deputies such as booking deputy, central control operator, court escort, training deputy or classifications specialist. There are also promotional opportunities to move up through the ranks of leadership.This is work performed to provide care and custody of adult prisoners and to maintain order and discipline among the prisoners of the Pierce County Corrections and Detention Center, a maximum-security facility. Employees in this classification are responsible for the operation of the jail on a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week basis, and the direct and indirect supervision of inmates.

• Monitor and control the activities of inmates, either individually or in groups.
• Supervise inmates during mealtime feeding, visitation time, recreation, counseling and work assigned to prisoners.
• Use independent judgment to take emergency action when necessary, including verbal de-escalation, physical and lethal uses of force.
• Take informal action to correct inmate behavior as appropriate.
• Conduct security checks and maintain security in all areas of the jail, as assigned.
• Write all required reports/documentation of activity.
• Investigate suspected rule violations.
• Perform all physical and administrative tasks to book, search, and release prisoners.
• Answer telephone calls and monitor jail access and egress.
• Operate office equipment, communications equipment, personal computers and corrections automated systems.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to people of all ages and from all social, cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
• Perform duties of the position in a confined, controlled and high security environment.
• Perform the functions and duties of all shifts in all required areas of the facility.
• When commissioned and authorized, carry arms while transporting prisoners outside the jails or on other specific assigned duties.

Minimum Qualifications to Apply

• High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
• At least age twenty (20) at time of appointment.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment and be able to provide proof of insurability.
• Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient, and ability to speak, read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100.
• Ability to pass the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission physical fitness requirements as well as those physical fitness standards required by the Sheriff's Office.
• Ability to successfully complete Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation.
• Entrance to and successful completion of the Corrections Academy or Equivalency Academy is a condition of continuing employment as required by RCW 43.101.

What happens after I take the exam with Public Safety Testing

• Applicants must achieve a score of 65% or higher on the written exam and pass the physical abilities test (PAT) with Public Safety Testing.
• Once you have passed the written and PAT, applicants will be invited to complete a Pierce County Sheriff's Office application.
• Once a completed application is received, applicants will be placed on a Civil Service Employment Register according to their score on the written exam.
• Applicants who make the employment register will undergo a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a personal history statement, pre-oral board interview, oral board, polygraph, fingerprinting, suitability assessment report (SAR) as well as criminal records, credit, driving, reference and employment checks. After a conditional offer of employment is given, applicants take the psychological and medical exams.
• For additional information regarding the background standards, please read the job announcement on the Public Safety Testing website.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email Civil Service at [e-mail] and specify the Job Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at [phone], at least two days prior to the need.

ATTENTION: All communication from Pierce County Civil Service is sent by email using the email address listed on your application. This may include communication that contains confidential or private information such as exam results and reasons for removal, etc. You are responsible for keeping your email address updated.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?