Assistant Corrections Ombuds - Vulnerable Population Monitoring (Internal Only

Position: Assistant Corrections Ombuds - Vulnerable Population Monitoring (Internal Only)
Note:

This job opportunity is only open to OCO employees.

Please note:

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $70,000-$85,000 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

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.

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 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.

What you'll work on:

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,…