Salary: $5,990.00 - $8,055.00 Monthly
Location : Grays Harbor County - Aberdeen, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: HS - SCCC
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionProgram Specialist 3 - Employee SpecialistSkill Building Unit
Stafford Creek Corrections Center
Aberdeen, Washington
Hourly Salary: $34.43-$46.29
Monthly Salary: $5,990.00-$8,055.00
Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm (0800-1630) Monday-Friday (Sat/Sun off)
The Program Specialist 3 - Employee Specialist, is an integral member of the Skills Building Unit (SBU) and provides essential services for incarcerated individuals with cognitive disabilities/intellectual disabilities in the unit under the direction of the SBU Program Manager. The Program Specialist 3 (PS3) conducts trainings, groups, and provides individual case management care, as it is related to gaining skills and resources necessary for meaningful employment and independent living. (for example; job searching, resume building, interview etiquette). The PS3 works to develop rehabilitation plans with individuals that are in the state of release planning to outline specific employment goals and services needed when they release into the community. The PS3 will lead workshops on building resumes, searching for jobs, preparing for interviews and managing conflict both in the workplace as well as in the community.
COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL INCLUDE:- A detailed resume
- A cover letter outlining your interest in this position
DutiesConduct Skills Training/Classes:- Conduct classes/training with approved curriculum - as approved by; the Program Manager to conduct skills based learning based on the need of the population, release planning and functions of daily living.
- Be able to have knowledge of the other Program Specialist's approved curriculum and classes so as to be able to provide coverage for the approved classes in the case of absences.
- Will present classes within Stafford Creek Corrections Center for the Skills Building Unit between 10-15 hours per week at least.
- Developing classes with clear and concise curriculum to be submitted for approval through the Program Manager. Classes must be relevant to release planning and positive/prosocial functioning in the community.
- Work in conjunction with the other Program Specialist and Correctional Mental Health Counselor 3 to identify the need for instruction of skills (life based skills, employability, re-entry) along with the Program Manager to develop quarterly programming.
Individual meetings with the Skill Building Unit Participants: - Participate in Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings as scheduled for the assigned participants, or if not available provide input to the Classification team through electronic communication to express perspective from a multidisciplinary approach.
- Maintain and update Individualized Service Plans designated for the participants assigned to the program.
- Conduct re-assessment of skills at least semi-annually based on the SBU development plan.
- The PS3 maintains awareness of the participants functioning in the unit. If there are changes in the function of the participant, the information is documented and followed up through the appropriate inquiries and emails where necessary.
- Provide open-door time at least two hours per week, in the unit, to address any immediate questions or concerns of the individuals.
- Participate in development of individualized behavior management plans as needed.
- Direct individuals to exhibit appropriate, respectful behaviors at all times.
- Maintain communication with Paid mentors in the Program to identify key concerns for individuals that are assigned to the caseload.
- Maintain communication with other Program staff and unit staff, to include direct Supervisor regarding the ins and outs of the classes that they are conducting as well as the individuals' needs that are on the designated caseload of the Program Specialist.
Contact Documentation:- Progress notes (primary encounter report) in SOAP format (Subjective, Objective, Assessment/Analysis and Plan) will be completed for all individual contacts.
- Ensure timely documentation of contact with participants (same day or next day).
- Encounters will be entered into OMNI - HS for individual contacts.
- Document behavior observations in OMNI as appropriate.
- Write infractions when appropriate.
- Write incident reports when appropriate.
Intake:- Complete a standardized set of assessments and screenings at intake to the unit to assist with identification of the individual strengths and limitations related to interpersonal communication, soft skills, and life skills functionality.
- Create the initial individualized SBU development plan.
- The PS3 maintains confidentiality of information of the QarticiQant of the SkillBuilder Program unless the information puts the incarcerated individual in immediate danger or there is threat of danger to another incarcerated individual.
Collaboration: - The PS3 will collaborate with the unit staff, Health Services staff assigned to the individuals in the program, the education staff and Classification.
- The PS3 will also collaborate with their direct supervisor continuously regarding the needs of the professional development or needs of the individuals that are overseen. As well as provide information as early as possible as it pertains to extended absences so that other members of the team can work together to provide coverage for the program needs.
- Attend and contribute to staff and unit meetings as schedule and requested.
- Attend SBU committee meetings.
Other duties as assigned:- Promote safety, be an active participant, be aware, be alert and act safely to make recommendations.
- Meet with supervisor at least every two weeks for supervision and provide constructive feedback as well as able to receive constructive feedback.
- Complete assigned trainings required by the Department of Corrections as applicable to the Skills Builder Program.
- Check in with the unit and program staff at least one time per week to determine events and concerns that have occurred in the past week so that a wraparound/team approach can be determined for the individual.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:- High School Diploma or Equivalency
- Minimum of 3 years of adult corrections experience in treatment, custody or community corrections OR professional casework experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of case management experience.
- Knowledge of basic computer programming for communications and program development
- A valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Certification.
Desired Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university with a primary focus on Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Social Services, Special Education).
- Education and experience in Vocational Rehabilitation.
- At least two years' experience with Case Management.
- At least two years' correctional staff experience.
- At least two years working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Group teaching experience.
- Able to teach individuals with vulnerability.
Supplemental Information 
