Correctional Lieutenant

State of Washington • $104K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Two years of correctional experience (adult or juvenile) with increasing responsibilities.
  • Two years of supervisory experience in corrections.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for routine and emergency situations.
  • Ability to recall detailed information and focus for extended periods.
  • Calmness and professionalism during emergencies.
  • Competent de-escalation skills in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

  • Manage daily operations of the facility per DOC policies.
  • Supervise Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and non-uniformed staff.
  • Act as Superintendent designee during non-business hours.
  • Ensure safety and security of the incarcerated population.
  • Provide direction and set examples for subordinate staff.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical (including vision) and dental insurance.
  • Basic life and long-term disability insurance options.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Participation in public employees' retirement system with employer contributions.
  • Paid holidays and personal leave for full-time employees.
  • Accrued vacation and sick leave with proportional benefits for part-time.
  • Paid military leave for service members.
Full Job Description
Salary: $8,668.00 Monthly
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-04876
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - WCC
Opening Date: 07/15/2025
Closing Date: 7/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
CORRECTIONAL LIEUTENANT
WASHINGTON CORRECTIONS CENTER


Full Time - Permanent
This recruitment is open to current permanent DOC employees
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual for the position of permanent Correctional Lieutenant - Washington Management Service (WMS) at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton, Washington.

The Washington Corrections Center is a Reception and Diagnostic Center. The facility multi-custody level facility with the primary responsibility to process, test, and classify all adult male felons sentenced to prison in Washington State. The facility houses approximately 1,700 incarcerated individuals. There are about 500 incarcerated individuals screened and assessed each month. WCC is also the major hub for transfer of incarcerated individuals to and from facilities throughout the state.

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 I/I's can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

We are searching for an adaptable and dependable team member who has excellent written and verbal communication skills to assume the critical role of Correctional Lieutenant and ensure WCC is operating in support of the mission, vision, and strategic plan of the agency. For additional information about our agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.
Complete your application online atwww.careers.wa.gov:
  • A completed application packet will include:
    • A cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position,
    • A detailed chronological resume,
    • At least (3) three professional references

- A professional reference is identified 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.
**Incomplete application packages may disqualify an applicant from the application process. **
We are looking for evidence in your application materials that you have the experience, skills, and abilities indicated in this job posting. Qualified applicants whose responses most closely match the requirements of this position may be invited to interview. Carefully review your application before submitting. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted.
Duties
Under the supervision of the Correctional Captain, this position is responsible for the daily operation of the facility in accordance with DOC policies and WCC Operational Memorandums. The daily operation of the facility includes but is not limited to:
  • Managing the incarcerated population and accounting for incarcerated individuals' institution wide
  • Providing supervision and direction to Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and non-uniformed staff in their area of control
  • Acting as the Superintendent designee for the institution during non-business hours
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Correctional Lieutenant provides concrete direction and a professional example to all the Correctional Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and other non-uniform staff.

If required to wear a respirator, must be clean shaven in the area of the respirator fit and have medical clearance to wear a respirator.

Qualifications
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Two years of correctional experience in adult or juvenile corrections with progressing levels of responsibility.
  • Two years of supervisory experience in corrections.
  • Demonstrated skills to communicate clearly, factually, and concisely both orally and in writing, in routine and emergent situations.
  • Demonstrate 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:
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of DOC Policies, RCWs. WACs, and WCC Operational Memorandums.
  • Thorough understanding of Emergency Procedures, National Incident Management Systems, Grievance Procedures, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Merit System Rules, Performance Monitoring, and Supervisory Techniques.
  • 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.

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.
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.

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 the following:
  • Letter of Interest; (preferably no more than two pages) describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are an ideal candidate for this position.
  • Minimum of three professional references with your application. Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered. BE SURE TO ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS AND ATTACH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
  • 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 ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

  • DOC does not use E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

  • 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. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at (360) 427-4616. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Are you a current permanent Department of Corrections employee?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have two (2) years of Correctional experience in adult, juvenile, law enforcement or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have at least three years of experience as a Correctional Sergeant in adult corrections OR one year experience as a correctional sergeant and successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of accredited college level coursework?
  • Yes
  • No

04

If you answered "Yes" to question # 3, please describe how you obtained your experience and/or education as described above. If you answered "No", type N/A
05

Describe your experience in emergency response procedures, to include where you gained the experience and/or training you have received.
06

Do you have two years of supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

07

If you answered "Yes to question # 6, please describe where and when you gained this experience.
08

Describe your experience in managing security operations.
09

Describe your de-escalation skills and explain when and where you were required to use them
10

10. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration related employment benefit?
  • Yes
  • No

11

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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