Salary: $6,512.00 - $8,750.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2025-04982
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: BSTA - Executive Policy Office
Opening Date: 07/17/2025
Closing Date: 7/24/2025 10:00 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Corrections Specialist 3

Full Time | Non-Permanent

Location: Tumwater, WA

Salary Range: $6,512 - $8,750 Monthly
This position is represented by the Teamsters 117 bargaining unit.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is actively recruiting for a full-time, non-permanent Corrections Specialist 3 (CS3) position within the Executive Policy Office. This position is eligible to telework and is a non-permanent appointment that is expected to end by or before January 2, 2026.
The goal of this position is to provide accurate translations for documents and communications from English to Spanish and vice versa, collaborating with stakeholders and/or DOC staff to understand their translation needs, ensuring translations are culturally and contextually appropriate, and reviewing and editing translations for accuracy and quality.
As a Corrections Specialist 3, you will process incoming language service requests from DOC staff, individuals under DOC custody, and external stakeholders whose primary language is Spanish, for both the Correspondence Unit and in support of the Translation Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and organizing language service requests, fielding questions from stakeholders and loved ones of the individuals under DOC custody, and carrying out language service requests efficiently and accurately.
The candidate of choice will support the values of respectful and inclusive interactions and cultivating an environment of integrity and trust through partnership. Resultingly, the position supports the Department's mission of improving public safety by positively changing lives through ensuring customers and constituents have access to information and facilitating consistent, accurate and timely information, and resolution.
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Corrections Specialist 3, some of your duties will include:

• Providing translation support of English to Spanish and Spanish to English for the Department's Correspondence Unit and Translation Unit which could look like:
  • Translating all outgoing correspondence which should be delivered in Spanish to the recipient
  • Logging all incoming and outgoing correspondence requests
  • Assisting the Correspondence Unit when phone inquiries are received from Spanish speaking inquiries
  • Gathering information and writes, edits, lays out, and proofreads materials for responses on behalf of agency leadership and departmental operations and translates into accurately Spanish translated documentation
  • Editing Spanish documents for an agency-wide work submissions distribution and publishing
• Translating forms, letters, agency communications from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English for both internal and external stakeholders to include:
  • Translating agency memos and communication documents on behalf of the translation unit
  • Translating high priority recordings for the Department received in Spanish, such as confidential phone calls that must be retained for public record retention
  • Translating brochures, correspondence, flyers, forms, letters, memoranda, webpages, manuals, and publications written in English into Spanish and vice versa
• Cultural Advisements
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Literature, Linguistics, or major studies in languages, or related field

AND

• Three years of writing/editing/translating experience; or equivalent education/experience

AND

• One year of progressive experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems

OR

• High school diploma

AND

• Five years of writing/editing/translating experience; or equivalent education/experience

AND

• Three year of progressive experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems

In addition to the above education and experience, the below knowledge, skills and/or abilities are required:

• Must fluently read, write and speak the Spanish language
• Must be a certified fluent interpreter/translator through one of the following: Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; and/or any nationally or federally recognized certification through an agency or organization in translation or interpretation.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Five years of writing/editing/translating experience; OR equivalent education/experience
• Experience in writing, editing, revising, and interpreting policy, rules, and/or regulations
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of the Mexican Spanish language dialects, slang and terminology

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.
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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 from and Until 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.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
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!

PERS: 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 ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at 509-630-9160. 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 DOC employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Literature, Linguistics, or major studies in languages, or related field
• Masters degree or higher

03

If you have a degree obtained outside of the United States, have you included a foreign credential evaluation report with your application? (You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org)

• Yes
• No
• NA

04

How many years of writing/editing/translating experience, equivalent education/experience, do you possess?

• I do not have this experience
• I have one to two years of this experience
• I have three to four years of this experience
• I have five or more years of this experience

05

How many years of progressive experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems do you possess?

• I do not have this experience
• I have one year of this experience
• I have two years of this experience
• I have three or more years of this experience

06

Are you a certified fluent interpreter/translator through Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; AND/OR any nationally or federally recognized certification through an agency or organization in translation or interpretation?

• Yes
• No

07

Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities in which you possess:

• Five years of writing/editing/translating experience or equivalent education/experience
• Experience in writing, editing, revising, and interpreting policy, rules, and/or regulations
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of the Mexican Spanish language dialects, slang and terminology
• I do not have any of the above KSA's

08

How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

09

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents)

• Yes
• No

10

If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

Required Question