Corrections Specialist Assistant – Roster (WSP)

Description

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a Corrections Specialist Assistant position at the Washington State Penitentiary.   

The Washington State Penitentiary is staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.  Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

The Department of Corrections (DOC), as a partner in the criminal justice system, enhances public safety, administers criminal sanctions and programs in accordance with the law and provides leadership for the future of corrections in Washington State.
 
The Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is comprised of 4 Close Custody Units, 3 Special Housing Units, 2 Intensive Management Units, 2 Medium Units, 3 Minimum Housing Units and a Health Services Building.  In all, WSP houses approximately 2,100 incarcerated individuals and employs approximately 1,100 staff.   
 
DOC is an organization that respects individuals for their unique qualities and strives to create a safe environment for individual uniqueness.

Duties

This position provides administrative assistance in the Roster Management Office.  Operates a complex computer system to produce daily rosters, reflecting data entry of staff leave, training, extra posts, and relief for more than 650 Penitentiary Custody staff positions.  Processes data into the ATLAS software program, which reflects scheduled authorized absences of Custody personnel.  Approves and denies leave requests for Custody staff per the Collective Bargaining Agreement and established Custody Staffing Audit relief factors, thereby controlling Custody overtime.    Verifies leave accruals to ensure staff have required leave for pre-scheduled absences.  Plans and prioritizes work to meet contractual deadlines.   Updates the database on a daily basis to reflect ongoing changes.  This data feeds directly into the Payroll system, affecting staff pay and leave.   Provides relief schedules to designated staff in a timely manner to meet contractual deadlines.  On a daily basis, responds to inquiries from the Shift Office regarding roster questions, discrepancies, and concerns. Responds to routine questions from Custody staff on a walk-in basis or via telephone or e-mail concerning leave, training, FML, bidding, L&I, and leave scheduling processes.  Refers non-routine questions to Human Resources, Timekeeping, or other appropriate resources.  Must be familiar with pertinent sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in clerical/office, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work. Formal relevant education may be substituted year-for-year experience.

• A Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or closely allied field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.
• Two (2) years of responsible office experience at the senior clerical level of higher.
• Clerical office work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to work independently; read, understand, and interpret policies and procedures; develop written reports; work effectively with others; communicate effectively, both in writing and speech; apply conflict resolution skills; demonstrate positive and professional interpersonal relationship skills; and maintain confidentiality.

Supplemental Information

For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov. 

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.
  
 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.
  
  
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• Answers to supplemental questions must be verifiable with provided work history.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.   When positive tests result, further information, testing, and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

Telework Details
 This is an onsite position and not allocated for telework.
  
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!

*The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at (509) 526-6313. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.