Corrections Specialist 3 - Reentry (SIF)

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Comprehensive compensation packages

Training and development opportunities

Fulfillment of public service

Job summary

The Department of Corrections in Washington state seeks a Corrections Specialist 3 in the Reentry Division, Tumwater. The CS3 will coordinate strength-based case management for program participants and families across confinement, transfer, and community settings.

Duties include identifying resources, building single case plans, and engaging partners to support successful reentry. The role requires advanced collaboration, data tracking, and ongoing involvement through approximately nine months

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree as described above with relevant case management background.
• Experience coordinating programs and services for families in transition.
• Ability to identify community resources and tailor plans accordingly.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate strength-based case management for SIF participants and families pre- and post transfer/release.
• Identify needs and resources, develop a single case plan with stakeholders.
• Maintain participant records and data in DOC information systems.
• Engage in transition planning and provide support up to nine months post-release.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen reentry outcomes.

Skills

Independent working

Clear communication

Time management

Interagency collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field

Associate or Technical degree

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

OMNI

Job description

Corrections Specialist 3

Department of Corrections Headquarters

Reentry Division | Tumwater, WA

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking to hire a full-time, permanent Corrections Specialist 3 (CS3) within the Reentry Division. Position ML39 is located at the Department of Corrections Headquarters (DOC HQ) in Tumwater. However, this position may support and be required to perform work in the following counties: Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, Pacific, and Wahkiakum. This position typically works from 0800 to 1630, Monday - Friday. Work hours are determined by unit needs and are at the discretion of the unit supervisor. If you are currently working an alternate work schedule, please be aware that this position may not be able to honor that schedule. For questions, please contact the Human Resource Office.

This Corrections Specialist 3 (CS3) (also referred to as Case Manager) is associated with the Strength in Families (SIF) program within the Reentry Division of the WA Department of Corrections. The Case Manager serves as a coordinator and primary point of contact to support cross‑agency planning and critical transitional services for program participants across the reentry continuum. The position is responsible to become well versed in and incorporate into job duties “protective factors” that strengthen families and reduce child abuse and neglect. The Case Manager needs to identify community resources and interventions that meet the identified needs from pre‑release to post‑transfer/release and to provide tailored, strength‑based case management. Case management may occur in prison facilities, on partial confinement, in the community and in participants’ homes.

The Reentry Division provides people with focused opportunities for success using the following guiding principles: practice active listening; be open to learning; be authentic; be curious; make informed decisions; embrace change; build relationships; mentor each other; seek collaboration outside our own areas to gain perspective; model behaviors we wish to see and assume positive intent.

This position coordinates a transition team that may include but is not limited to other SIF program team members, agency institution and community supervision staff, families, service providers, housing providers, employment services, mental health agencies, social workers and any other groups/organizations that work with incarcerated (or formerly incarcerated) individuals and their children and families.

For information about the Reentry Division, please visit our webpage.

Our mission at the Department of Corrections is to “improve public safety by positively changing lives”. With more than 8,000 employees, we recognize that staff are our greatest asset, and the efforts of our dedicated workforce have garnered national recognition! Whether the work is inside a prison, out in the field, or an administrative office, DOC staff experience a high degree of personal reward knowing their efforts are creating an environment in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to safer communities.

DOC OFFERS:

• Flexible schedules
• Comprehensive compensation packages
• Training and development opportunities
• The fulfillment of public service

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Coordinates, manages, assesses and implements responsive, strength‑based case management services to SIF program participants and their families pre and post transfer/release, while in total confinement and in community locations:

• Meet with program participant, SIF program staff, key correctional staff, health service and treatment staff (when applicable) and prosocial supports of the participant (if available) to identify key programs, services and resources that address the needs of program participants and their families during confinement and following transfer/release to support successful reentry;
• Case management services will be provided to the assigned designated areas as well as additional areas as needed.
• Identify participants’ and participant’s families’ strengths and protective factors that support reentry.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders interacting with the participants to develop a single case plan that meets the needs of the participant and their family. This includes agency staff, families and community‑based service providers that follow the participants into the community upon transfer/release from prison.
• Identify existing evidence‑based programs and services that are critical to reentry.
• Identify available resources in the community and what type of interventions are most appropriate for each participant based upon risk, needs and strengths of the participant and their family.
• Maintain communication with program participants, correctional staff and confinement‑based service providers during confinement to ensure reentry planning involves continuity of care from incarceration to the community, while involving participants’ families and support systems.
• Engage in transition assistance with program participants and their families for up to nine months post‑transfer/release to the community.
• Discussing and modeling for participants the skills directly related to and learned during the delivery of responsible parenting and healthy relationship curricula (that is part of the SIF program).

Build partnerships with and ensure continuous engagement of a wide range of system and community‑based agencies to leverage all available resources that support sustainable, healthy families:

• Serve as a liaison for information between the Agency and external stakeholders. Effectively articulate the Agency’s mission, goals and successes (as related to the SIF program, as well as reentry, department‑wide).
• Conduct individual meetings with criminal justice agencies and resource providers to share information, build awareness of program participants needs and create shared experiences.
• Participate in family meetings with stakeholders as necessary to support family wellness and to reinforce behavior as our participants and their families change their lives in positive ways.

Maintain comprehensive, current program participant records:

• Collect, enter and track all required program and performance measures and data. Collect, enter and track all Agency‑required data into the DOC information systems such as, but not limited to, OMNI.
• Update information in the SIF SharePoint site.
• Utilize the Scorecard to track participant needs.

Participate in training and professional development opportunities as required by the Agency and/or the SIF program and as directed by the supervisor or the SIF Program Manager:

• Proactive and engaged involvement in a range of trainings relevant to the position.
• Utilize the knowledge and skills gained in each training to effectively conduct all duties of this position.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

  AND

  Six (6) years of professional strength‑based case management working with children, adults and families.

  AND

  Six (6) years of inter‑agency stakeholder collaborative experience involving children and families, to include working with a range of system‑and community‑based resources available to support the diverse spectrum of family needs.

  OR

  Associate or Technical degree from a recognized college or educational institution.

  AND

  Four (4) years of professional strength‑based case management working with children, adults and families.

  AND

  Four (4) years of inter‑agency stakeholder collaborative experience involving children and families, to include working with a range of system‑and community‑based resources available to support the diverse spectrum of family needs.

  OR

  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent in the field of social work, psychology, criminal justice or a closely related field.

  AND

  Two (2) years of professional strength‑based case management working with children, adults and families.

  AND

  Two (2) years of inter‑agency stakeholder collaborative experience involving children and families, to include working with a range of system‑and community‑based resources available to support the diverse spectrum of family needs.

  OR

  Master’s degree from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent in the field of social work, psychology, criminal justice or a closely related field.

  AND

  One (1) year of professional strength‑based case management working with children, adults and families.

  AND

  One (1) year of inter‑agency stakeholder collaborative experience involving children and families, to include working with a range of system‑and community‑based resources available to support the diverse spectrum of family needs.

  In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have demonstrated the following abilities (through coursework or work experience):

• Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with system and community‑based stakeholders.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with program participants, SIF and other DOC staff and with a broad range of external stakeholders.

• Strong time management and organizational skills, including the ability to effectively coordinate, multi‑task and problem solve.

• Awareness and sensitivity to the unique strengths and needs of justice‑involved individuals and their families.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Exercise sound judgement in the problem solving process.
2. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback/criticism.
3. Ability to work independently while collaborating with partners and stakeholders when necessary.
4. Solution‑focused strategies.
5. Trauma‑informed.
6. Gender responsive.
7. Knowledge of tools and resources available.

Supplemental Requirements:

1. Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
2. Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
3. Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in‑service and other required training.
4. Provide physical residential address and home telephone number to the Department of Corrections.
5. Become familiar and comply with all Department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
6. Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.
7. Must successfully complete a criminal history clearance.
8. Must maintain confidentiality of information obtained through job performance as protected by agency policy or state or federal law.
9. Must possess and maintain a vehicle operator’s license, valid in the state of Washington.
10. This position is included in a Union Shop.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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 vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays 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 [e-mail]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.