Correctional Officer 1, (CO2), Helen B Ratcliff Reentry Center, Seattle, WA

About the role

The Washington State Department of Corrections seeks qualified candidates for Correctional Officer 1 (CO1) and Correctional Officer 2 (CO2) positions at Helen B Ratcliffe Reentry Center. These roles are full-time and on-call positions, with the earliest interviews scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety and security in an adult correctional facility.
• Control and direct the activities and movement of incarcerated individuals.
• Maintain security of the institution and control movement into, out of, and within the institution.
• Work with incarcerated individuals to help them become productive members of society.
• Use interpersonal skills and good communication to correct and counteract criminal thinking.
• Manage difficult people through observation, knowledge, skills, and continuous practice.
• Complete the Correctional Worker Core (CWC) academy and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, including successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.
• One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Valid Driver's license.
• The legal (Constitutional) right to carry a firearm.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Paid sick leave, holiday pay, and paid vacation.

Pay

• Corrections & Custody Officer 1 (DOC WFSE Range 45 Step J-M): Full-time - $5,523 - $5,948, On-call/Hourly - $31.74 - $34.18
• Corrections & Custody Officer 2: (DOC WFSE Range 53 Step H-M): Full-time - $6,407 - $7,243, On-call/Hourly - $36.82 - $41.63

Schedule

On-call positions may have the opportunity to work an average of 32-40 hours per week, though there is no minimum hour guarantee. Incumbents will attend 6 weeks of full-time paid training immediately upon hire and may be considered for full-time permanent and/or temporary vacancies as they occur.

Facility Information

Helen B Ratcliffe is a secure facility located in Seattle, Washington, serving as a bridge between incarceration and community reintegration. The facility focuses on employment, education, treatment, family reconnection, and life skill development for incarcerated individuals. The facility operates 24/7 and accommodates 47 detainees.

Duties

This job class is designated as in-training. The employee will advance to CO2 after satisfactory completion of the CO1 training requirements. The successful candidate will provide safety and security, control and direct the activities and movement of incarcerated individuals, and assist in maintaining security and controlling movement into, out of, and within the institution.

Supplemental Information

Correctional Officers are expected to be positive role models and work with incarcerated individuals to help them become productive members of society. The successful candidates will possess creative thinking, self-confidence, strong role-modeling, and good physical and mental conditioning. Overtime is an essential function of this position.

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

• Pre-employment process includes drug testing and psychological evaluation.
• Selected candidates must provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
• 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.
• Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, take proper care of 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, potentially including components of the onboarding process.