Early Resolution Ombuds

Job Opportunity

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.

What you'll work on:

• Investigative casework
• Reporting
• Negotiation
• Intake
• Confidentiality

What we need you to bring:

• Knowledge of investigative and fact-finding principles sufficient to gather, evaluate, analyze, and document information from multiple sources to support objective complaint resolution.
• Skill in communicating effectively with diverse audiences using active listening, interviewing techniques, and clear verbal and written communication tailored to the needs of the individual and the situation.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality principles and information management practices necessary to appropriately handle sensitive information in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational requirements.
• Experience applying conflict resolution, negotiation, or problem-solving techniques to facilitate constructive discussions and support mutually acceptable resolutions.
• Ability to assess complex situations and exercise sound judgment by evaluating information, identifying appropriate courses of action, and recognizing when issues require escalation.
• Skill in preparing clear, accurate, and well-organized written documentation, including correspondence, investigative records, case notes, and reports.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing workloads.
• Working knowledge of computer applications and electronic case management or records management systems used to document, maintain, and retrieve information.
• Demonstrated proficiency in building and maintaining productive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds through professionalism, empathy, cultural humility, and respect.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, accountability, and public service demonstrated through fair, respectful, and impartial interactions with individuals from all backgrounds.
• The ability to learn and grow:
  Curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to meet the needs of others:
  Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.

Desired qualifications:

• Knowledge of correctional systems, correctional operations, or the criminal justice system gained through professional, academic, volunteer, or lived experience.
• Experience working with individuals from underserved, marginalized, or vulnerable populations using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.
• Experience conducting investigations, complaint resolution, mediation, or dispute resolution