Tribal Liaison (Internal Only

Position: Tribal Liaison (Internal Only)
Note:

This job opportunity is only open to OFM employees.

Please note:

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $65,328 - $85,224 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

Why work for the Office of the Governor?

At the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO), we are driven by a powerful mission: to create a more humane, transparent, and equitable Washington Corrections system. As an independent and impartial agency established by the Legislature, we are committed to advocating for incarcerated individuals, resolving conflicts, and fostering systemic improvements within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Our vision is to empower those impacted by incarceration to raise their concerns, reduce harm, and influence positive change across the system.

Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We provide crucial information to incarcerated individuals and their families, raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities, and ensuring that our services are equitable and inclusive. Diversity and lived experience are at the heart of our mission as we work to build a corrections system that serves everyone fairly.

The Job Opportunity

The Office of Corrections Ombuds (OCO) is an independent agency within the Governor's Office that works to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated individuals. OCO promotes transparency in Washington's correctional system by investigating concerns, helping individuals and families understand policies, and identifying systemic issues for action by state leadership.

In this role, you will support OCO's mission by investigating complaints related to the Department of Corrections, assisting with public records processing, and serving as the agency's Tribal Liaison. You will build strong relationships with Tribal governments, improve communication, and help ensure Tribal perspectives are reflected in OCO's work. This position is ideal for someone who values fairness, equity, and meaningful public service.

What you'll work on

Casework and Investigations:

* Conduct independent investigations into complaints involving the Department of Corrections in accordance with agency policies, applicable laws, and professional investigative standards.

* Manage a medium caseload of investigations.

* Gather, review, and analyze evidence, including interviews, records, policies, and other relevant documentation.

* Maintain accurate case files and documentation while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and policies.

* Communicate with complainants, incarcerated individuals, family members, DOC staff, and other stakeholders by telephone, written correspondence, email, and in person to obtain information, provide updates, clarify issues and facilitate the investigation process.

* Facilitate dispute resolution and negotiations with DOC staff to resolve concerns when appropriate, to resolve complaints and improve outcomes.

* Draft and send letters to complainants explaining the results of the investigation.

* Participate in weekly OCO hotline rotation.

Tribal Liaison Duties:

* Serve as the Office of the Corrections Ombuds' Tribal Liaison by developing and maintaining collaborative, government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.

* Coordinate communication and consultation with Tribal governments regarding matters within the Office's authority.

* Facilitate meaningful engagement with Tribal Nations by ensuring timely communication, supporting consultation processes, and serving as a primary liaison between the Office and Tribal governments.

* Promote culturally responsive practices and provide guidance to staff regarding Tribal sovereignty, cultural awareness, and effective engagement.

* Develop, draft, and maintain Centennial Accord Plan and Tribal Consultation policy and provide updates as necessary.

* Make responsible efforts to collaborate with Indian Tribes in the development of policies, agreements, and program implementation that directly affects the tribes

Public Information Duties:

* Assist the Public Records Officer with the intake, review, coordination, and processing of public records requests.

* Coordinate with agency staff to locate and produce responsive records within statutory timelines.

* Draft, prepare, and route correspondence through GovQA portal to requestors for review and approval by the Public Records Officer prior to release.

* Maintain records request tracking systems and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with legal requirements and retention standards.

Other Duties:

* Conduct facility visits as needed to communicate in-person to complainants, assess concerns, and/or engage in discussions with DOC staff.

* Collaborate with Ombuds staff and agency partners to improve investigative processes and service delivery.

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