Corrections Officer

About the Department

Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies. DAJD operates the largest county jail system in the State of Washington.

We provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

Working in corrections is a challenging but rewarding career, where you can make a difference in the lives of others. As one of the largest corrections employers in the State of Washington, King County offers job stability, security, and opportunities for career development, advanced training, and assignment to specialty units. Corrections facilities operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Typical shifts are 06:20 to 14:30, 14:20 to 22:30, and 22:20 to 06:30, and may also include overtime when necessary. Alternative shifts, including potential 12‑hour shifts, may be offered or required on a limited basis.

King County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a full-time benefited employee:

• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for degrees in approved fields of study.
• Comprehensive provision of uniforms and equipment, including an annual uniform maintenance stipend and allocation of training ammunition.
• Meals or meal vouchers provided while on duty.
• 12 days of annual vacation leave with progressive career increases up to a maximum of 30 vacation days per year.
• 12 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
• 12 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 personal holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance: basic coverage with the option to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems pension plan and optional 457k deferred compensation.
• Possible eligibility for additional pay premiums (firearms qualified, bilingual, field training officer, longevity).
• Transportation program, free ORCA transit pass, and paid parking.
• Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, bereavement leave, volunteer service leave, and military service leave.
• Flexible Spending Account, wellness programs, Employee Giving Program.
• Employee Assistance Programs, training & career development programs.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

• King County Correctional Facility, 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
• Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W. James Street, Kent, WA 98032

Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Corrections Guild (KCCG).

• Oversee all activities of jail residents, including recreation, distribution of meals, mail, commissary requests, educational classes, visitation time, professional visits, social workers, and other authorized activities.
• Enforce rules and guidelines while managing jail resident behavior, in accordance with jail policies and procedures.
• Ensure and maintain the safe, secure, humane custody of jail residents, adhering to constitutional obligations including access to legal counsel, medical and mental health services as required.
• Relay approved information concerning jail residents to relatives, attorneys, probation and police officers, and others.
• Use appropriate physical defensive interventions and restraint techniques to maintain custody and control, up to and including deadly force, in accordance with local, state, and federal law.
• Participate in required trainings in defensive tactics, electronic control devices, pepper spray, and other emergency and safety equipment.
• Perform under high stress when confronted with emergent, critical, or dangerous situations; handle multiple activities simultaneously; exercise sound judgment under stressful circumstances.
• Summon medical attention for jail residents and render emergency…