Assistant Corrections Ombuds – Vulnerable Population Monitoring (Internal Only

Job Opportunity at the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO)

The Office of Corrections Ombuds (OCO) is an independent agency within the Governor's Office that plays a vital role in strengthening transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the incarcerated across Washington State. OCO works directly with incarcerated people and their families, elevates their concerns, and identifies systemwide issues that help inform statewide policy and drive meaningful improvements.

We are looking for a passionate professional who is committed to equity and wants to make an impact. In this role, you will monitor healthcare concerns affecting vulnerable populations in Washington's prisons, investigate complaints, and identify service gaps. You will provide data-informed insights and recommendations that help improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Your work will contribute to safer, healthier, and more effective correctional environments and directly support positive change across the state.

Casework

• Responsible for managing a caseload of investigations that are related to individuals residing in the Department of Corrections (DOC) who are part of a vulnerable population (individuals with disabilities, individuals with cognitive disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), individuals residing in residential treatment units (RTUs), and older individuals living in assisted living units).
• Manage and prioritize caseload by assessing cases for urgency on a weekly basis with no guidance and ability to resolve complaints to meet established guidelines with little to no guidance in a timely manner.
• Communicate with incarcerated individuals, family members, and DOC staff by telephone, written correspondence, and email to gather information, clarify concerns, and support the review and resolution of cases.
• Assist and support other team members (EROs) who may have cases related to vulnerable populations.

Intake Duties

• Respond to calls on the OCO hotline providing technical assistance and complaint intake, technical assistance, and information regarding the complaint process.
• Attend scheduled hotline shifts as required to ensure adequate coverage.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and information to hotline callers, including explaining OCO processes and available resources.

Systemic Analysis Duties

• Assist with identifying trends/systemic issues related to vulnerable populations.
• Conduct policy, legal, and regulatory research to support investigations, public reports, and recommendations related to the Department of Corrections (DOC) policies and practices.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize data to support investigative findings, annual reporting, and other program reporting requirements.

Special Project:
Impact Team Coordination

• Responsible for the coordination of Impact initiatives being completed by the OCO PEAR Core Team, Impact expanded team, and PEARCAT.
• Serves as the agency Equity Officer and is responsible for ensuring the OCO meets the reporting requirements set in E0 22-04.
• Coordinates data collection and analysis with the other OCO staff for reporting to OCO leadership and the Office of Equity.

Other Duties

• Conduct facility visits as needed to communicate in person with complainants, assess concerns, and/or engage in discussions with DOC staff.
• Assist with OCO Quarterly Public Meetings by collecting data, working on PowerPoint presentations, monitoring Zoom conference, or answering questions from the public.

What We Need You To Bring

• Demonstrated knowledge of correctional systems, investigative processes, or oversight functions, including the ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience performing objective investigations by gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; conducting interviews; and preparing well-supported findings and recommendations.
• Advanced skill in building collaborative relationships and communicating effectively with Tribal governments, incarcerated individuals, family members, agency staff, and other diverse stakeholders using professionalism, diplomacy, and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to effectively and respectfully dialogue with people who are incarcerated, stakeholders, Department of Corrections staff and leadership, as well as diverse groups of people in a variety of other professional settings and situations.
• Ability to analyze complex information, exercise sound judgment, resolve problems, and make informed decisions in sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Ability to independently manage multiple project assignments and competing priorities, exercise judgment, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality work products that demonstrate strong attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, apply analytical abilities, including data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple investigations,…