Corrections Officer

Corrections Officer

The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies. DAJD operates the largest county jail system in the State of Washington.

Working in corrections is a challenging but rewarding career, where you can make a difference in the lives of others. As one of the largest corrections employers in the State of Washington, King County is able to offer job stability and security, and unique opportunities for career development, advanced training, and assignment to specialty units. King County DAJD correctional facilities operate 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Typical shifts are 06:20 to 14:30 hours, 14:20 to 22:30 hours, and 22:20 to 06:30 hours, and may also include overtime when necessary. Alternative shifts, including the potential to be scheduled 12-hour shifts, may be offered or required on a limited basis.

King County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a full-time benefited King County employee:

• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for degrees in approved fields of study.
• Comprehensive provision of uniforms and equipment, including an annual uniform maintenance stipend and allocation of training ammunition.
• Meals or meal vouchers provided while on duty.
• 12 days of annual vacation leave with progressive career increases up to a maximum of 30 vacation days per year.
• 12 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
• 12 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 personal holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: King County employees participate in a generous pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and can voluntarily participate in additional 457k deferred compensation options.
• Correctional Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: firearms qualified, bilingual premiums, field training officer pay, and longevity pay.
• Transportation program, free ORCA transit pass, and paid parking.
• Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, bereavement leave, volunteer service leave, and military service leave.
• Flexible Spending Account, wellness programs, Employee Giving Program.
• Employee Assistance Programs, training & career development programs.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Incumbents may be assigned to either of two work locations:

• King County Correctional Facility, 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
• Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W. James Street, Kent, WA 98032

Schedule and facility assignments are subject to staffing needs of the department and collective bargaining unit bid processes, which are seniority based.

Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Corrections Guild (KCCG).

Completion of a King County employment application and DAJD supplemental questionnaire is required. Resumes or letter of interest alone will not substitute for full application. Online applications are preferred. To apply, go to:

For assistance with the online application process, please contact NeoGov Customer Support toll free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or

Questions regarding this position and the selection process may be directed to:

• Jacob Black, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at View email address on click.appcast.io
• Johnson Chao, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at View email address on click.appcast.io
• Ursula Mole, DAJD Human Resources Analyst at View email address on click.appcast.io

More information about this job and the department can be found on the DAJD website at

Incumbents requesting Veterans' preference must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form, via email to View email address on click.appcast.io to determine eligibility. Veterans' preference will be applied as applicable.

Oversee all activities of jail residents, including recreation, distribution of meals, mail, commissary requests, educational classes, visitation time, professional visits, social workers, and other authorized activities.

Enforce rules and guidelines while managing jail resident behavior, in accordance with jail policies and procedures.

Ensure and maintain the safe, secure, humane custody of jail residents, adhering to constitutional obligations including access to legal counsel, medical and mental health services as required.

Relay approved information concerning jail residents to relatives, attorneys, probation and police officers, and others.

Use appropriate physical defensive interventions and restraint techniques to maintain custody and control, up to and including deadly force, in accordance with local, state, and federal law; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive interventions and physical agility.

Participate in required trainings in defensive tactics, electronic control devices, pepper spray, and other emergency and safety equipment.

Ability to perform under high stress when confronted with emergent, critical, or dangerous situations; handle multiple activities simultaneously; exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances in which working with speed and sustained attention are critical to the job.

Summon medical attention for jail residents and render emergency first aid and CPR.

Receive, book and release jail residents according to policies and procedures, assisting with entering personal data on required databases, logs, and files, as well as checking for outstanding warrants.

Operate control room and/or central surveillance, monitor close circuit television (CCTV) cameras, control access and egress within jails, security and alarms systems, communication & radio traffic, and other electronic screening devices.

Coordinate with courts to ensure jail residents appear as required.

Write detailed reports concerning any recommendation, problem, observation or emergency situations or occurrences within the jail, according to DAJD policy and training, or when directed by supervisors.

Provide excellent customer services, including professional and respectful behavior at all times.

Ensure confidentiality is upheld to the highest ethical standard.

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Inspect facility jail residents, visitors and packages delivered to the facility.

Conduct searches related to safety and security to include, but not limited to vehicles, facilities, property and person for contraband, health hazards, safety, and security violations.

Minimum qualifications for entry level:

• You must be a citizen of the United States or a person who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Twenty-one years of age by the time of hire.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire.
• Must have the ability to read, speak, and write in the English language fluently.

Most competitive: Applicants who possess corrections and/or criminal justice experience.

Lateral Experience: Training requirements and starting salary range will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants currently working as a Corrections Officer are subject to the same application, testing, and screening process as other candidates. However, some additional benefits may be realized post-hire and include the following:

• Salary Consideration for Laterals: Salary may be evaluated for previous corrections experience on a case-by-case basis, up to Step 5 of the Corrections Officer salary range;
• Internal Salary Consideration: Internal Incumbents may be considered for a higher step placement;
• Training Waiver Consideration: Incumbents may be considered for a full or partial Corrections Academy waiver, based on confirmation of attendance and successful completion of a comparable Corrections Academy. Training records of these incumbents will be reviewed to determine eligibility for a full or partial waiver.

Incumbents selected for this position must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:

• King County application for employment. Once the applications are screened, incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department's background investigation process.
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