Support Specialist II - Jail Services Department

Clark County Washington; United States; On-site; USD 73,371,000 - 95,413,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid leave

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Clark County Jail Services is seeking a Support Specialist II to provide essential administrative support and maintain critical data assets for the department. The role requires strong communication, data entry accuracy, and the ability to work across shifts in a fast-paced public safety environment.

You will process, input, and maintain records for staff, stakeholders, and the community, contribute to safety operations, and support continuous improvement within the jail services division.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to learn and interpret local, state, and federal guidelines for inmate processing and procedures.
• Experience with data entry in computerized systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Flexibility to work all shifts including days, weekends, swing, and graveyard.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Jail Services Department.
• Process, enter, and maintain data and information for staff and the community.
• Maintain records and support department operations.
• Communicate effectively with staff and the public in high-stress situations.

Skills

Communication

Detail orientation

Data entry

Multitasking

De-escalation

Attendance reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Post-secondary credits considered for experience

Tools

Office software

Databases

Job description

Job Summary Join Our Team and Make a Vital Contribution to Our Community! Are you seeking a meaningful career where your skills directly support the safety and operational efficiency of your community's justice system? Clark County Jail Services is dedicated to protecting our community from the inside out. As a Support Specialist II, you will be an essential member of our team, playing a crucial role in providing comprehensive administrative support and ensuring the smooth operation of our department. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a critical public service, uphold high standards, and embark on a fulfilling career path.

Why Choose a Career with Clark County Jail Services as a Support Specialist II? Make a Difference: Your administrative expertise will directly contribute to the effectiveness of the Jail Services Department, supporting those who maintain safety and security. Essential Role: Be part of an essential service that underpins the justice system. As a Support Specialist II, you are integral to our operations, providing vital support by processing, entering, and maintaining critical data and information for our staff, stakeholders, and the community. Career Growth: Benefit from a career path with opportunities to expand your skills and potentially advance within the Clark County system. Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid leave, and a retirement savings plan. (Refer to the Clark County employee benefits information for full details.) Stable & Supportive Environment: We are committed to the professional development of our staff and fostering a work environment that is ethical, respectful, and inclusive.

Mission Statement The Clark County Jail Services Department is dedicated to protecting the community from the inside out. We accomplish this mission by providing a safe, secure, and humane environment for inmates while upholding the highest standards of public safety. We are committed to the professional development of our staff and fostering a work environment that is ethical, respectful, and inclusive. This position is represented by the Support Guild. Reviews of applications will take place on October 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience providing the required knowledge and skills for this role.
• OR Substituting, on a month-for-month basis, successful completion of post‑secondary education or training in office principles and practices for the minimum experience (45 credit hours for each year)
• OR Any combination of education, training and experience that would demonstrate the ability to perform the work of the class.
• Proven experience working effectively in a fast‑paced, sometimes hectic, work atmosphere with rapidly changing priorities.
• Strong detail orientation and the ability to multitask efficiently.
• Experience with data entry in a computerized system.
• The ability to work all shifts (including days, weekends, swing, and graveyard) as operational needs dictate.
• Strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a high‑stress environment.
• Proficiency in using de‑escalation tactics or other communication techniques to manage interactions with upset citizens or visitors.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities.
• A history of exceptional and reliable attendance.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Communication: Strong and clear communication skills to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, staff, and the public, providing clear and concise information.
• Problem-solving and Decision-Making: The ability to analyze situations, identify issues, and find appropriate solutions in a timely manner.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency: Competence in using office software, databases, and standard office equipment.
• Personal Attributes: Ethical Conduct & Accountability: Adherence to high moral and ethical standards, taking ownership of actions and outcomes.
• Resilience and Composure: Ability to maintain composure in potentially high‑pressure situations and adapt to changing priorities.
• Cultural Awareness & Empathy: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, displaying compassion and understanding in interactions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data entry, record keeping, and all administrative tasks.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work effectively both independently and as a cooperative member of a team.

Ability to: Learn and Interpret Local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, and procedures related to inmate booking, arraignment, and fugitive warrants; Washington Revised Statutes and applicable case law concerning sentencing calculations and procedures; Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures; legal terminology; English composition, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; arithmetic; clerical and record‑keeping procedures; SELECTION PROCESS

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a continuous recruitment. We accept job applications throughout the year and create a competitive eligibility list that is valid for 6 months from completion of a successful background. Please see details below to learn more about the hiring process

1. Application: All candidates must submit a job application through this site
2. Written Test: All candidates must complete a written exam (Written‑Weighted 100%) Test will be sent via email
3. Panel Interview: All candidates must complete a panel interview to be considered for the Background Process. Candidates will receive an invitation to interview with the panel after testing is completed and the panel is available.
4. Background Process– All candidates who are selected in the panel interview to move forward to the background phase will be invited to begin a background investigation. The background submission is a graded component and the grading rubric will be sent with the initial invitation to begin the backgrounds
5. Conditional Offer: Offers of employment are contingent on passing the following exams: Drug Screen Some roles require a Polygraph Eligibility List - Your score is valid for 6 months after a successful background.

Background investigation will consist of the following elements:

• Criminal history investigation
• Affiliations
• Personal and professional references
• Employment History
• Any prior applications to other criminal justice agencies
• Credit check
• Drivers record investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical examination
• Eligibility Requirements

Disqualifying Factors

• Any Felony Convictions (regardless of status)
• Domestic Violence Charges
• Manufacturing/Distribution of Illegal Drugs
• Reckless/Negligent/DUI within the last 3 years
• Illegal Drug Use within the last 3 years
• Dishonorable Military Discharge or Failure to Register for the Selective Service
• Discharge from a Criminal Justice Agency related to honesty
• Affiliation with Gangs or Extremist Groups
• Recent Patterns of Behavior Eroding Public Trust
• Unsatisfactory Employment History, including attendance issues
• Falsifying Application or Personal History Information
• Unsatisfactory Personal or Professional References
• Failure to pass the polygraph examination
• Failure to pass a psychological evaluation
• Failure to pass a medical exam
• Failure to pass the drug screening

Eligibility List: If your background investigation determined you met the minimum qualification for the eligibility list, your written test, panel interview score, and background submission grading score will be combined into an overall score. You will then be placed on a candidate eligibility list according to your score. As vacancies become available, the candidates with the highest ranked score on the eligibility list may receive a conditional offer of employment. It is important to note that your ranking may change daily. This is due in large part to exams being administered continuously with candidates merging on and off the lists regularly. The ranking also changes as a result of individuals being hired from the list or expiring off the list.

Conditional Offer: Offers of employment are contingent on passing the following exams: Drug Screen Some roles require a Polygraph Eligibility List - Your score is valid for 6 months after a successful background.

Salary Grade Sheriff Support.6 Salary Range $25.61 - $33.30- per hour

Close Date Open Until Filled

Equal Opportunity Employer Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services.

Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation Clark County provides regular full‑time and part‑time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long‑term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF). Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at [phone]; Relay [phone].

With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy. Our forward‑looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the west and south. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live. Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home. Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county’s largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their applications and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Some recruitments may require the following: Assessment, Cover Letter, Practical Exam, Evidence of a valid driver’s license, Criminal Background Check or other requirements.

Oral Interviews are conducted with a panel of interviewers. If you are selected for an interview you will be contacted by the hiring department. Employment References may be conducted for the final candidates, including verification of education.

You can get more information about job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.