Corrections Officer - How to Apply

Salary: $5,161.87 – $6,193.20 monthly | Location: Yakima, WA | Full‑time | Department: Police | Opening date: 04/14/2022 | Bargaining unit: AFSCME

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

The City of Yakima is offering new Corrections Officers a hiring incentive of $10,000: $5,000 paid on the first paycheck following the first full month of employment and an additional $5,000 paid on the paycheck following the first full year of employment (after execution of a 36‑month repayment contract). Newly hired Lateral Corrections Officers also receive a bank of 40 in‑lieu hours usable at any time during the first year of employment.

The pay range is established through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Free healthcare clinic
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation – starting at 7.67 hours/month
  • Sick – 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday – 2 days
  • Observed holidays – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life insurance
• Extensive opportunities for training and growth

Minimum Requirements

Entry‑Level

• Must be 20 years of age or older at time of appointment (19½ at time of application)
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Good command of English, both written and verbal
• High school graduate or equivalent
• Good physical condition, good moral character, capable of performing full range of duties including physical control of violent offenders
• Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm; able to meet and maintain department firearm qualification standards
• Pass written examination, oral board, physical agility examination, pre‑selection interview, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and comprehensive background investigation (aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record, criminal history)

Lateral Transfers

• Successfully completed the course of study prescribed/approved for Correction Officers by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (qualifies for WSCJTC Corrections Officer equivalency academy)
• Two (2) years continuous experience as a Correction/Detention Officer within the last five (5) years
• Must be 20 years of age or older and lawfully employable in the U.S.
• Good command of English, both written and verbal; high school graduate or equivalent
• Good physical condition, good moral character, capable of performing full range of duties including physical control of violent offenders
• Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm; able to meet and maintain department firearm qualification standards
• Pass oral and written examinations, pre‑suitability testing and interviews, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and comprehensive background investigation (aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record, criminal history)

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Satisfactorily complete the course of study prescribed for Correction Officers by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
• Satisfactorily complete the American Correction Association Course for Correction Officer within six months of employment

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of a Corrections Sergeant, performs specialized duties involving the control and management of detainees in the City Jail, and supervises detainee work crews in the maintenance of public facilities and equipment. Ensures safety and proper treatment of detainees in accordance with department directives and applicable law. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures, but employees are expected to apply independent judgment in making routine and emergency decisions.

Essential Functions

• Receives detainees and conducts body searches
• Maintains physical control of detainees using minimum force required
• Obtains required information from detainees; inventories and properly stores detainees’ valuables and personal property; issues uniforms and other items per directive
• Supervises and guards detainee work crews, both within and outside the detention facility; escorts, transports, and guards prisoners in non‑secure areas (court, hospital, work sites)
• Coordinates and supervises City Jail detainees assigned to custodial and exterior building maintenance duties; obtains and provides necessary equipment; monitors detainee activity; inspects and directs work; identifies needed facility repairs; coordinates with the Building Superintendent
• Assists other Corrections Officers and Department employees; performs court security duties; operates electronically‑controlled access doors; summons assistance when necessary; communicates with other personnel via intercom and two‑way radio
• Monitors activities of detainees within jail facility, both visually and by closed‑circuit television; communicates with detainees directly or via intercom
• Performs and/or supervises preparation and delivery of meals, laundry, and housekeeping within the facility
• Provides first‑aid to detainees and assists medical personnel as required
• Coordinates and monitors visitation of detainees with family members, friends, attorneys, and members of other criminal justice agencies
• Maintains appropriate records of booking, detention, and release of detainees; operates computerized records management system; enters and maintains computerized data regarding warrants, arrests, convictions, and sentences
• Accepts and accounts for detainees’ money and handles commissary transactions; accepts deliveries and assists with ordering and inventory of jail supplies; accounts for inventory and control of department equipment and supplies
• Operates City‑owned vehicles when required to transport detainees, travel to training, or on other department business
• Contributes to effective administration of the City Jail and Yakima Police Department by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation, coordination of efforts, efficient use of resources, and exceptional customer service
• Provides continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality services
• Proactively introduces suggestions for change to address emerging issues and opportunities
• Requires regular and reliable attendance
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Major Worker Characteristics

• Knowledge/understanding of and ability to apply statutory and judicial limitations on prisoner confinement, and the rights of all persons under the U.S. and Washington State constitutions
• Knowledge and understanding of the strategic objectives of City Council as they relate to the Police Department
• Knowledge of, and clear commitment to, the principles of 21st Century Policing
• Knowledge and understanding of the concept of exceptional customer service; models this behavior and encourages it from other employees
• Knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations related to Corrections operations and staff, in accordance with department and City of Yakima policies
• Ability to read, interpret, learn, explain, and apply: modern prisoner detention methods and techniques; State, Federal, and City laws, regulations, and ordinances; City and Department policies and procedures
• Ability to understand and apply the rules of evidence and to obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation
• Ability to evaluate circumstances and make sound judgments and decisions in a timely manner; analyze situations quickly and objectively; determine proper course of action; react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions; cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully; perform strenuous physical work
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees, the public (diverse educational and cultural backgrounds), and officials at all levels of government; well‑developed written and oral communication skills, including correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation
• Must routinely and regularly maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication
• Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations, and government agencies; consistently demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups, and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs
• Ability to confront and effect the