Early Resolution Ombuds

Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $55,000 - $65,000 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

This role is a Hybrid position with 2 work-from-home days and 3 in-office days. During the training period, the candidate selected will be in the office until the training period is completed and then will begin a hybrid work schedule.

The candidate selected for this role must be at least 21 years of age as well as maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license.

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 Office of Corrections (OCO) is a dynamic and impartial team within the Governor’s Office that plays a vital role in protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated individuals. Our mission is to ensure every incarcerated person and their family have access to clear, accurate information, to elevate public understanding of the corrections system, and to spotlight critical issues that help guide action from the Governor and Legislature.

We work to ensure corrections facilities across the state meet the highest standards of care, safety, and compliance.

In this position, you will help empower incarcerated individuals and their families by providing essential information and guidance. You will raise public awareness about the rights and responsibilities of incarcerated persons, identify systemwide issues that need attention, and support statewide efforts to maintain consistency with laws, policies, and corrections standards.

You will take the lead on investigating cases brought to the OCO, managing and entering complaints received through the OCO hotline, and supporting individuals who reach out by mail, email, or in person. You will draft professional letters, reports, and communications for a variety of audiences. This role is both collaborative and public-facing, working closely with incarcerated individuals, families, and Department of Corrections staff.

Success in this position calls for exceptional diplomacy, strong communication skills, and a passion for meaningful public service.

• Resolve complaints from and about the individuals incarcerated in DOC facilities.
• Assess incoming complaints to determine urgency, jurisdiction, and appropriate investigative response.
• Conduct independent investigations into allegations involving incarcerated individuals and DOC operations.
• Gather, analyze, review, document, and securely maintain documentary evidence from the DOC’s systems within confidential OCO systems
• Coordinate and obtain time-sensitive video, photo, audio surveillance, recordings evidence critical to investigations from the DOC
• Consult with employees of the DOC and complainants in separate fact-finding conferences as necessary
• Evaluate DOC investigations, disciplinary hearings, and official reports to assess compliance with policy, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Participate in on-site facilityvisitsasdirectedbytheOCODirectortocommunicatein-persontocomplainants, assess concerns,…