Corrections Deputy - Entry Level

Basic Function

To monitor, supervise and maintain custody of inmates in the Snohomish County Jail, the residential work‑release facility and those who are placed into non‑custody community corrections programs.

Responsibilities

• Book inmates into the jail, work release, or community corrections programs; conduct interviews to determine medical and special needs and assess acceptability for placement; enter booking information into the jail computer system.
• Perform personal searches (pat‑downs, strip searches) and property searches; take fingerprints and submit them to AFIS, WASIC, and FBI; capture photographs and other identification data; release inmates at completion of sentence.
• Supervise inmate activities within housing areas and their movement between areas; document and oversee food services; supervise inmate cleanup and maintenance tasks.
• Verify and arrange medical and health‑care needs; monitor use of prescribed medications; oversee recreational, educational, and visitation activities; monitor visits and interviews with authorized persons; answer phone calls and relay information to authorized persons.
• When assigned to community corrections, check for outstanding warrants and criminal history using various databases; monitor inmates released to work, education, treatment programs, and outside appointments; verify that work‑release inmates and program participants are where authorized through documentation or phone contact; monitor electronic equipment for inmates on Home Detention and report breaches of conditions.
• Supervise preparation of inmates for transportation to courts and other appointments.
• Conduct regular security checks; screen and search visitors; perform periodic headcounts and searches of inmates and accessible areas to prevent contraband; administer or arrange breathalyzer or urinalysis testing; may assist in operating the jail control room.
• Instruct inmates on jail rules and procedures; investigate suspected rule violations; take informal action to correct behavior; write violation reports and submit to supervisor; participate in disciplinary proceedings as assigned; arrange transfer of work‑release inmates returned to maximum‑security jail and maintain secure custody until removal.
• Maintain custody and control of inmates when confined to hospitals or other facilities as required; coordinate with courts to ensure inmate appearance for trial; process and maintain required court documents.
• Serve on various committees (training, safety, classification, wellness, wear and tear, affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, etc.).
• May be assigned temporary duties as training officer or instructor.
• When assigned to community corrections, conduct thorough orientation for program participants, explaining procedures and rules; answer questions and discuss problems related to the jail situation; collaborate with office, program, and professional staff to develop interventions for work‑release inmates experiencing family, employment, or emotional issues.
• Provide direct one‑on‑one or group assistance to work‑release inmates and program participants as needed, using appropriate interpersonal skill procedures.
• Receive, record, and maintain court and other documents related to work‑release inmates; receive and release cash to work‑release inmates; respond to information requests concerning work‑release inmates in accordance with office policy.
• Assist in risk/needs assessments of inmates and contribute to case reviews and program placement decisions.
• May provide delivery and administration of medications in accordance with RCW 70.48.490.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• At least eighteen (18) years old at time of application; no maximum age.
• U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient (per RCW 41.14.100).
• Pass job‑related tests.

Special Requirements

• Pass a criminal‑history background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, pre‑employment medical exam, and drug screening.
• Post‑employment physical fitness and agility test required.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license (unrestricted except for vision) may be required depending on assignment.
• Ability to acquire First Aid and CPR certificates.
• May be required to carry firearms and must qualify with a firearm annually.
• Satisfactory completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Academy within six (6) months of employment.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of defensive and courteous driving rules.
• Effective interpersonal communication techniques.
• Ability to acquire First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Ability to complete required Washington State Criminal Justice Training Academy courses within six months of hire.
• Ability to complete firearms training and pass proficiency test per collective bargaining agreement.
• Ability to learn, understand, and interpret work‑related laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to quickly learn applicable federal and state laws, county ordinances, and established policies, procedures, and practices of the Snohomish County Jail.
• Ability to supervise groups of inmates.
• Good judgment under stressful circumstances; effective response in crisis or emergency situations; ability to restrain violent or belligerent inmates.
• Effective communication with people of any age, sex, social, economic, or cultural background, including those with social or behavioral problems; ability to communicate with inmates in both supportive and confrontational modes.
• Respect for individual differences of inmates and professional response to their needs without personal bias.
• Ability to input, retrieve, and record information from computer systems accurately; perform clerical tasks related to booking and other aspects of the job.
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, written procedures, and guidelines.
• Clear speaking and writing skills; ability to prepare required reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with criminal‑justice officials, county employees, and the general public.

Physical Effort

The work involves strenuous physical tasks such as restraining belligerent inmates, breaking up fights, or running up flights of stairs to respond to emergencies. The position is highly stressful, with exposure to disagreeable situations involving human conflict, anger, hostility, and potential for violence.

Supervision

The employee reports to a Corrections Sergeant or Corrections Lieutenant. Work is performed according to established policies and procedures and is reviewed through observation, evaluation of handling various situations, reports, and conferences. Unusual situations are referred to the Sergeant.

Working Conditions

Work is performed within a maximum‑security detention facility or a minimum‑security and work‑release facility. Employees work in housing areas with direct inmate contact, may be required to receive PPD testing semi‑annually or as needed, and must work various shift assignments, including weekends and holidays. Mandatory overtime may be required.