PLEASE NOTE:  If you have previously tested via PublicSafetyTesting.com and have been referred to DAJD, your application will continue to be considered.

Corrections officers operate King County jails on a 24-hour, 7 days per week basis. Incumbents work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays, with varying days off. Must be able to work mandatory overtime.

Incumbents are responsible for booking, releasing, and security work within the County jail facilities and Work Release Unit.  Duties are performed within an adult detention jail which is a secure facility environment requiring the ability to navigate ramps, narrow hallways, opening and closing heavy doors, and working in confined areas with a diverse population.  Population includes potentially volatile individuals with emotional, mental health, and alcohol/substance abuse problems. 

Who may apply: This recruitment is open to the general public.

Work schedule: Positions work an approximate 40-hour work week and are overtime eligible. Must be available to work varied shifts which include days, swing, graveyard, holidays, weekends and mandatory overtime.

Work location: Work assignments may be at the King County Correctional Facility in Downtown Seattle OR at the Regional Justice Center in Kent.

Union membership: Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Corrections Guild.

Lateral Transfer Consideration:  Please see qualifications for lateral transfer consideration below.  Candidates for Lateral Transfer duplicate the application, testing and screening process of entry level candidates.  The benefits of Lateral Transfer is realized post-hire.  There will be salary consideration for placement at a step within the Corrections Officer salary range that is closer to current salary than Step One (salaries must remain within the stated Corrections Officer salary range); and attendance at some or all of the Corrections Academy may be waived.  

• Receive inmates into custody; input personal data on the computer.  Sign off warrants, search inmates.
• Record personal data on required logs & files. Check computer for outstanding warrants.
• Enforce rules and jail regulations according to standard operating procedures and applicable state statutes.
• Instruct inmates on jail regulations and procedures.
• Respond to emergency situations and use physical restraints and physical force when necessary.
• Summon medical attention for inmates on an emergency basis.
• Assume responsibility for movement of inmates within assigned area of jails.
• Assign and direct work of inmate workers and other inmates in the cleaning and maintenance of jail areas.
• Oversee activities of inmates, including recreation, educational classes, visitation time, and counseling interviews with attorneys, social workers, and other authorized personnel.
• Operate control room; monitor closed circuit television cameras of jail and control all entrances, doors, and gates within the jail.  Watch for potentially dangerous situations and other inappropriate jail conditions.
• Answer phone calls and relate approved information concerning inmates to relatives, attorneys, probation and police officers, and others.
• Coordinate with district, superior, municipal, and federal courts to ensure that inmates appear as scheduled for trial.
• Operate a motor vehicle to escort and transport inmates to courts and other facilities or institutions.
• Collect and distribute inmate commissary requests, as required.
• Release inmates according to standard operating procedures and established procedures for release, such as posting bond, payment of bail, and personal recognizance, as authorized by the courts.
• Process and maintain commitments according to established procedures.
• Write reports concerning any problem, observation or emergency situations or occurrences within the jail.
• Restrain inmates and use force, including deadly force within prescribed policies, procedures and local, state and federal laws.

Minimum qualifications for entry level: Twenty-one years of age plus have a high school diploma or GED. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License by the time of employment.  Most competitive candidates will possess corrections and/or criminal justice experience. 

NOTE: If you have failed the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention’s background investigation process within the past two years, your application will not be considered at this time.

Qualifications for Lateral Transfers:  Must be a current Corrections Officer who has passed an accredited State Corrections Academy; must have successfully completed current agency's probationary period as a Corrections Officer; and must have no break in service. 

Application and testing process: The King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention has contracted with National Testing Network to conduct a portion of our entry-level and lateral transfer pre-employment testing for the position of Corrections Officer. National Testing Network will process applications and conduct the written and physical testing. The written test includes a video-based human relations test, a reading test, a count test and a report writing test. They will provide DAJD with applicant scores and DAJD Human Resources will contact qualified candidates for further processing. Complete your application at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and schedule a date to take the written and physical tests. Tests are available throughout Washington state and the greater Northwest at frequent intervals. If you do not have access to a computer, you may

• Visit your local library to use the public access computers.
• Visit the closest Worksource location or call 1-877-0872-Jobs (1-877-872-5627). In King County there are three Worksource centers and five Worksource Affiliates in Seattle, King County. Worksource provides computers with internet access, phones, and fax machines for job search purposes.
• Pay for the time to utilize computers at a local internet café or store that provides computer rentals.

Selection process: Candidates selected for this position (including Lateral candidates) must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:

• National Testing Network application
• Written examination conducted by National Testing Network
• Physical Ability Test conducted by National Testing Network
• Successful candidates will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department’s background investigation process. The DAJD Background Investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes, but is not limited to: Completion of an extensive Background Investigation Questionnaire, a polygraph examination, employment references check, criminal background check, psychological testing/evaluation, finger printing, and physical examination (pre-employment physical).

Post hire: Once hired, candidates must again successfully pass a physical ability test (PAT). The post-hire PAT is administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) is required for admission to the Corrections Academy. Candidates must complete the four-week Corrections Officer Academy, a three-week orientation, six weeks assigned to a Field Training Officer, and successfully complete a one-year probationary period. The background investigation is an ongoing process and may lead to termination of employment if adverse information is obtained during employment. All candidates must be able to participate in rigorous physical training at the academy and must be able to work with inmates in physical situations. Additional details regarding the selection process are outlined below. Additional information on physical testing - Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center requirements: All Corrections Officers will be required to pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) upon hire. The physical pre-qualification process will include the following components:

• Push-Ups (Complete 19 push-ups)
• Sit-Ups (Complete 15 sit-ups within one [1] minute)
• 1.5 Mile Run (Complete a 1.5 mile run within 17:17 minutes)

The physical requirement standards are gender and age neutral.The standard is set to test any person’s physical ability regardless of gender or age and all elements are completed in the same manner (i.e. all candidates complete straight-knee push-ups) Additional information regarding the WSCJTC requirements can be found at: https://fortress.wa.gov/cjtc/www/corrections/pat.htm This website includes full details regarding the PAT, as well as information regarding how to prepare for the PAT. Individuals should consult their health care provider before beginning a physical exercise program. Questions regarding the application and selection process may be directed to DAJD Human Resources at 206-296-4114. Please learn more about this job and the Department at the DAJD website at www.kingcounty.gov/dajdjobs. Information regarding Lateral Transfer opportunities is also available at that website.