Correctional Lieutenant | MCC

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Two years of correctional experience in adult, juvenile, law enforcement, or related fields.
  • At least two years of supervisory experience, which can overlap with other experience.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in routine and emergency situations.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emergencies professionally.

Responsibilities

  • Manage use of force incidents, utilizing de-escalation strategies and progressive force options.
  • Act as Incident Commander during security incidents.
  • Maintain facility security, managing staff and inmate accountability.
  • Complete reporting requirements and recommend actions to upper management.
  • Supervise and lead Correctional Sergeants overseeing daily security operations.
  • Ensure compliance with agency policies, regulations, and operational memorandums.
  • Facilitate staff training, development, and conflict resolution.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive family medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave each month.
  • 12 paid holidays annually.
  • Generous retirement plan options, including PSERS.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote/telework options.
  • Additional perks like Flex Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance.
Full Job Description
Salary: $8,841.00 Monthly
Location : Snohomish County - Monroe, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - MCC
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
LIEUTENANT - WMS BAND 1

MONROE CORRECTONAL COMPLEX
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEES ONLY
The Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated and qualified individuals for the position of Lieutenant at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
The Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) is a 1700 bed male all-custody level facility located 30 miles northeast of Seattle. The complex consists of five major units: the Washington State Reformatory Unit (WSRU), Sky River Treatment Center (SRTC), a large mental health inpatient treatment unit, Twin Rivers Unit (TRU), Intensive Management Unit (IMU), and the Minimum-Security Unit (MSU). MCC provides care for the sickest and most complicated patients in our system.

Services provided at MCC include custody and security, classification, education, offender work programs, health care (both patient and outpatient), mental health care, sex offender treatment, food service, maintenance, personnel, recreation, volunteer services, religious services, library services, offender records, visiting and extended family visiting.

HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application accessible via the 'Apply' button located at the top right corner of this posting and attach the following:
  • Cover letter regarding your interest in this position.
  • Detailed chronological resume. Your resume will not substitute for the 'Work Experience' section of the online application.
  • AND at least three professional-level references, valid phone number and email address for each is required. Review the 'Supplemental Information' section for the definition of professional references and the requirements for each.
  • If your degree (high school or otherwise) was awarded outside the United States, you must also attach a credential evaluation report. Review the 'Supplemental Information' section for more information.
  • Please include transcripts from any applicable education.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans' Preference should attach a copy of your DD-214 (member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to your online application.
Duties
Under the supervision of the Captain, this position is responsible for the daily operation of the facility in accordance with DOC policies and MCC Operational Memorandums. The daily operation of the facility includes but are not limited to:
  • Managing Use of Force incidents, utilizing all available resources to include mitigating alternatives such as directing the progressive use of force options.
  • Act as Incident Commander
  • Maintain security of institution in accordance with established Department methods and procedures, managing staff and incarcerated individual accountability
  • Duty Officer Notification
  • Complete reporting requirements, full review of documentation, and provide recommendations to Chain-of-Command.
  • Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Correctional Sergeants as they monitor the Correctional Officers completing their day-to-day security operations.
  • Ensure compliance with all agency policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, RCW's, WAC's, operational memorandums post orders/operations manuals.
  • Facilitate employee development to include, training, coaching, mentoring, counseling and conflict resolution.
  • Initiate corrective/disciplinary process
  • Conduct investigations
  • Administrative responsibilities/Roster Management. The Correctional Lieutenant provides concrete direction and a professional example to all Correctional Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and other non-uniform staff.
  • Serve as the senior custody officer over the facility transportation responsibilities (transport Lieutenant position)
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or GED

AND

Two years of correctional experience in adult, juvenile, law enforcement or related field.

AND

At least two years of supervisory experience (can be gained concurrently with other required experience).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated skills to communicate clearly, factually, and concisely both orally and in writing, in routine and emergency situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to recall detailed information and maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to remain calm and act professionally during all emergent conditions.
  • Ability to use de-escalation skills to manage stressful situations that involve abuse or hostility.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT):

Three years' experience as a correctional sergeant in adult corrections

OR

One year experience as a correctional sergeant with successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of accredited college level course work.

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of correctional administration.

If you are utilizing your education to meet the job requirements, attach a copy of your college transcripts.

Note: Corrections experience means the focus of the work is dealing directly with incarcerated individuals a majority of the time.
Prior supervisory experience is critical to deliver a full range of services effectively. The lieutenant position directs, monitors, and inspects correctional staff who perform custody work; controls, directs and monitors the activities and movement of adult Incarcerated Individuals (I/I); and is responsible for coordinating and enforcing security regulations and I/I disciplinary control throughout the correctional institution. Duties require the exercise of full command authority based on time and circumstances in directing all shift operations of the facility.
Observation- Observes and strategizes personal action based on environmental conditions and human behavior.

Technology- Learns and utilizes computer-based applications in the performance of job duties.

Stress Tolerance- Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.

Professional Standards- Knows and applies relevant law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to established productivity standards and timelines. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.

Adaptability- Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy and procedure.

Supplemental Information
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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
  • 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.
  • This position may be represented by a Union Shop.
  • Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation fromandUntil this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
  • 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.
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!
PSERS: Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Habsah Ruff at or call us at (360) 794-2821. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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