Program Specialist

Program Specialist 3 – Employee Specialist Location: Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Aberdeen, Washington Hourly Salary: $34.43-$46.29 Monthly Salary: $5,990.00-$8,055.00 Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm (0800-1630) Monday-Friday (Sat/Sun off) The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated Program Specialist 3 – Employee Specialist to serve in the Skills Building Unit (SBU) at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. This role provides essential services for incarcerated individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, focusing on the skills and resources necessary for meaningful employment and independent living. Responsibilities Skill Training/Classes Conduct classes and training with approved curriculum based on the needs of the population, release planning, and daily living functions. Have knowledge of the approved curriculum of other Program Specialists to provide coverage during absences. Present classes within the Staff Building Unit for at least 10-15 hours per week. Develop classes with clear and concise curriculum, submit for approval through the Program Manager. Work with the other Program Specialist and Correctional Mental Health Counselor 3 to identify instruction needs and develop quarterly programming with the Program Manager. Individual Meetings with the Skill Building Unit Participants Participate in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings or provide input to the Classification team when unavailable. Maintain and update Individualized Service Plans for assigned participants. Conduct re‑assessment of skills at least semi‑annually. Track changes in participant function and document/follow‑up as needed. Provide open‑door time for at least two hours per week to address immediate questions or concerns. Assist in developing individualized behavior management plans as required. Maintain communication with paid mentors and other program staff about caseload concerns. Contact Documentation Complete progress notes in SOAP format (Subjective, Objective, Assessment/Analysis, Plan) for all individual contacts. Ensure documentation is entered the same day or the next day. Enter encounters into OMNI‑HS; document behavior observations and infractions as appropriate. Write incident reports when necessary. Intake Complete a standardized set of assessments and screenings at intake to identify individual strengths and limitations related to communication, soft skills, and life skills. Create the initial individualized SBU development plan. Maintain confidentiality of information unless imminent danger occurs. Collaboration Collaborate with unit staff, health services, education staff, and classification. Maintain continuous communication with the direct supervisor regarding professional development and individual needs. Attend staff and unit meetings as scheduled and requested. Participate in SBU committee meetings. Other Duties As Assigned Promote safety and act to provide recommendations. Meet with supervisor at least every two weeks for supervision and feedback. Complete assigned trainings required by the Department of Corrections. Check in weekly with unit and program staff to determine events and concerns, creating wrap‑around or team approach. Qualifications Required Qualifications High School Diploma or Equivalency. Minimum of 3 years adult corrections experience in treatment, custody, or community corrections OR professional casework experience. Minimum of 2 years case management experience. Knowledge of basic computer programming for communications and program development. Valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Certification. Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university with a focus on Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Social Services, Special Education). Education and experience in Vocational Rehabilitation. At least two years of case management experience. At least two years of correctional staff experience. At least two years working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. Group teaching experience. Ability to teach individuals with vulnerability. Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance plans. Multiple medical plans offer coverage throughout the state. Other benefits include: Up to 25 paid vacation days per year. 8 hours of paid sick leave per month. 12 paid holidays per year. Generous retirement plan. Flex Spending Accounts. Dependent Care Assistance. Deferred Compensation and more. Equal Opportunity Employer 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, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr