Corrections Deputy - Lateral

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GI Bill Approved OJT Program

Hiring incentive: $25,000

Sick leave and vacation accrual

Job summary

Pierce County Sheriff’s Office seeks dedicated corrections deputies to maintain safety and order in two facilities. Deputies hold a limited commission and may be armed, performing housing unit duties in a high-security environment.

Applicants must have WA corrections credentials, complete or possess CJTC-certified academies, pass background checks, and meet physical fitness requirements. Training opportunities and a GI Bill approved OJT program are available.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid correction officers’ commission in Washington State or equivalent commission.
• Successfully completed a Field Training Officer (FTO) period.
• Must have completed the WA CJTC Corrections Officer Academy or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control inmate activities individually or in groups.
• Supervise inmates during meals, visitation, recreation, counseling and work.
• Write required reports and investigate suspected rule violations.

Skills

Corrections experience

Background investigation

Physical fitness

Education

WA CJTC Corrections Officer Commission or equivalent

Corrections Officer Academy or CJTC certification

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Lateral Candidates DO NOT need to take a written exam. If you are a commissioned corrections officer and are interested in a lateral opportunity, please contact Pierce County Civil Service at [e-mail].

New lateral employees may 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.

During the background investigation, candidates will need to provide an academy syllabus to determine if they are required to attend the full Basic Corrections Academy. For those that need to attend the full academy, the hiring incentive is $15,000.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the background process, hiring incentive, or the position, please send them to the Human Resources Specialist at [e-mail]. You may also request to schedule an appointment by phone if you prefer.

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

• Possess a valid correction officers’ commission in Washington State or equivalent commission from a Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) approved agency.
• Successfully completed a Field Training Officer (FTO) period providing direct and/or indirect supervision of inmates in an adult corrections facility.
• Must have successfully completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Corrections Officer Academy or possess an equivalent Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission certification as a Corrections Deputy

OR

• If no WA CJTC certificate, then have successfully completed the Washington State Correctional Worker Core (CWC) Academy or a Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission approved Corrections Academy or equivalency academy from another state.

• 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.
• Ability to successfully complete Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation.

Process after application is submitted

• Based upon the results of the experience and training assessment (which is part of the application), applicants will be ranked and placed on a civil service employment register.
• Once the register is established, you will receive an email with your score and rank on the register.
• Your information will be sent to the Background Unit, and you will receive an email with instructions on how to begin the background process.
• Applicants 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.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email Civil Service at [e-mail] and specify the Job Number and 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?