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Job Title


Lateral Corrections Officer - Jail Services


Company : Clark County Washington


Location : Vancouver, Metro Vancouver Regional Distr


Created : 2025-10-18


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Lateral Corrections Officer - Jail Services page is loadedLateral Corrections Officer - Jail ServicesApply locations Law Enforcement Center time type Full time posted on Posted 20 Days Ago job requisition id R003632Job SummaryAre you an experienced Corrections Officer looking for a dynamic new opportunity?Clark County Jail Services is seeking dedicated lateral candidates to join our team and play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of our community from the inside.As a Lateral Corrections Officer, you bring valuable experience and existing certification, allowing for an expedited path to serving Clark County. You will be responsible for the around-the-clock operation of the jail, working various shifts (day, swing, grave), including weekends and holidays, on a '4 on 4 off' 12-hour schedule.If you're committed to public service, possess a strong ethical compass, and are ready to leverage your experience in a rewarding environment, we invite you to apply!What is a Lateral Corrections Officer?A Lateral Corrections Officer is an individual who has:Successfully completed a recognized state or local government basic corrections academy.Current or recent experience as a certified corrections officer in a comparable county, municipal, or state agency in the United States.The ability to gain Washington State certification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Equivalency Academy process.This role allows you to bypass foundational training and integrate more quickly into our operations, bringing your skills and knowledge to our team.Why Choose a Career with Clark County Jail Services?Make a Difference: Your experience will directly contribute to the safety and well-being of your community.Leverage Your Expertise: As a lateral officer, your existing skills are valued and essential to our mission.Career Growth: Benefit from a career path with opportunities for advancement, including potential roles in training, specialized units, and leadership.Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement (Washington State Retirement System Plan), and deferred compensation.Hiring Incentives: Qualified lateral Corrections Officers may be eligible for hiring incentives up to $25,000, paid as: $8,000 on the first paycheck, $8,500 upon successful completion of probation, and $8,500 after 3 years of employment.Education Incentives: Employees are eligible for education incentives on base wages after completing probation.Compensation: 2025 Hourly wage range: $34.60 - $46.40.THIS POSITION IS OPEN FOR CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT.Mission StatementThe Clark County Jail Services Department is dedicated to protecting the community from the inside out. We accomplish this mission by providing a safe, secure, and humane environment for inmates while upholding the highest standards of public safety. We are committed to the professional development of our staff and fostering a work environment that is ethical, respectful, and inclusive.QualificationsYour ResponsibilitiesAs a Lateral Corrections Officer, your duties will include, but are not limited to:Providing intake and release services for inmates, including interviews to determine medical and other special needs, and processing booking information.Maintaining order and ensuring the security of the Clark County Main Jail and Jail Work Center by supervising inmate activities and movement.Searching, fingerprinting, and photographing incoming inmates during booking procedures.Conducting searches for contraband to maintain a safe environment.Responding to emergencies (e.g., fire, riot, hostage situations) in accordance with established policies and procedures, demonstrating composure and quick decision-making.Preparing and transporting inmates for court appearances and other appointments.Enforcing rules and regulations within the jail facility.Monitoring inmate behavior, mental and physical health through visual and electronic means, and advising supervisors when attention is needed.Conducting regular security checks, screening visitors, and performing headcounts.Instructing inmates on jail rules and procedures, addressing rule violations, and writing violation reports.Monitoring security systems and all jail access.Performing related duties as assigned.Commitment to Professionalism and ReliabilityTo effectively serve our community and maintain the integrity of our operations, excellent attendance is paramount. As an essential employee, you will be expected to work as assigned. The nature of our essential services requires flexibility in staffing, and while mandatory overtime may be necessary, there may also be opportunities for voluntary overtime.Ideal Candidate Profile for Lateral OfficersWe are seeking dedicated and experienced individuals who meet the following qualifications:At least twenty-one (21) years of age.United States Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident required.High school diploma or a GED certification.Valid driver's license at time of appointment.Experience: Two to three years of corrections experience in a comparable county, municipal, or state agency in the United States.Certification:Successful completion of a basic corrections academy in Washington or another state.Currently certified as a Corrections Officer, or whose certification has lapsed for not more than 60 months but more than 24 months due to a break in service. (Individuals whose certification has been revoked or suspended are not eligible ).Equivalency Process:Must provide a syllabus of the academy completed and a copy of the certificate of completion from the academy attended with the application.Must have the ability to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commissions Equivalency Academy within six (6) months of hire as a condition of employment.Have no prior felony convictions and/or recent or excessive drug usage history.Candidates must not have any active Internal Affairs investigations pending at the time of application or throughout the hiring process. Furthermore, applicants must not have separated from any previous law enforcement or corrections agency while an Internal Affairs investigation was in progress or to avoid an impending Internal Affairs investigation.Ineligibility for employment includes being named on any prosecutorial impeachment disclosure list (commonly known as a Brady or Giglio list), as confirmed through mandatory inquiries with relevant prosecuting authorities.Solid writing skills and basic report preparation.Strong communication skills, mediation, and problem-solving abilities.Ability to exercise sound judgment and use a computer with knowledge of various software applications.Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and a qualifying physical ability test.Knowledge of principles, techniques, and procedures associated with incarceration and dealing effectively with incarcerated individuals; federal, state, and local laws relative to inmate housing and treatment.Essential Skills and AbilitiesCommunication: Strong and clear communication skills to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and give clear and concise instructions.Problem-solving and Decision-Making: Proven ability to analyze situations, assess risks, and make sound decisions.Personal Attributes:Ethical Conduct & Accountability: Adherence to high moral and ethical standards; takes ownership of actions.Resilience and Composure: Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure environments; demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.Cultural Awareness & Empathy: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds; displays compassion.Growth Mindset & Officer Integrity: Demonstrated desire for continuous learning; understanding of honesty and ethical conduct.Selection Process Details This is a continuous recruitment. We accept job applications throughout the year and create a competitive eligibility list that is valid for 6 months from completion of a successful background. Please see the details below to learn more about the hiring processSteps1. Application: All candidates must submit a job application through this site2. Written Test: All candidates must complete a written exam administered by Jail Services Recruitment and Training Team (Written-Weighted 100%) (Written Exam scores of 70 or above are accepted)Please contact Recruitment Officer Kurt Hollopeter at to register for our free local test.**Please note that test scores from PST 'Public Safety Testing or other similar organizations are not accepted in lieu of the Department-administered test.3. Physical Test: All candidates, after successful completion of the written test will be invited to complete the Physical Ability test (P.A.T.).Candidates for the position of corrections officer must complete the PAT before they are eligible to interview.Physical Ability Test Criteria:Push-Ups- 90 seconds total of 15Sit-Ups- 90 seconds total of 12Squat Thrusts- 3 minutes total of 254. Panel Interview: All candidates must complete a panel interview to be considered for the Background Process. Candidates will receive an invitation to interview with the panel after testing is completed and the panel is available.5. Background Process All candidates who are selected in the panel interview to move forward to the background phase will be invited to begin a background investigation. The background submission is a graded component, and the grading rubric will be sent with the initial invitation to begin the backgroundBackground Investigation: This is the most detailed and lengthy part of the hiring process. Please see additional details below.The background investigation will consist of the following elements:Criminal history investigationAffiliationsPersonal and professional referencesEmployment HistoryAny prior applications to other criminal justice agenciesCredit checkDrivers record investigationPolygraph examinationPsychological evaluationMedical examinationEligibility RequirementsUpholding the Highest StandardsAs a potential member of the Jail Services Department, you will play a critical role in upholding public safety and trust. This position demands integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Clark County Jail Services adheres to rigorous standards set by the State of Washington and the Criminal Justice Training Commission.Disqualifying Factors:Any Felony Convictions (regardless of status)Domestic Violence ChargesManufacturing/Distribution of Illegal DrugsReckless/Negligent/DUI within the last 3 yearsIllegal Drug Use within the last 3 yearsDishonorable Military Discharge or Failure to Register for Selective ServiceDischarge from a Criminal Justice Agency related to honestyAffiliation with Gangs or Extremist GroupsRecent Patterns of Behavior Eroding Public TrustUnsatisfactory Employment History including attendance issuesFalsifying Application or Personal History InformationUnsatisfactory Personal or Professional ReferencesFailure to pass the polygraph examinationFailure to pass a psychological evaluationFailure to pass a medical examFailure to pass drug screening6. Eligibility List: If your background investigation determined you met the minimum qualification for the eligibility list, your written test, panel interview score, and background submission grading score will be combined into an overall score. You will then be placed on a candidate eligibility list according to your score. As vacancies become available, the candidates with the highest ranked score on the eligibility list may receive a conditional offer of employment. (see Step 7 for conditions) It is important to note that your ranking may change daily. This is due in large part to exams being administered continuously with candidates merging on and off the lists regularly. The ranking also changes as a result of individuals being hired from the list or expiring off the list.7. Conditional Offer: Offers of employment are contingent on passing the following exams:-Physical Ability Test -This test is administered a total of (3) three times during the hiring and employment process. (Testing cycle listed below)1. After the initial written test, as stated in the 3rd step of the process listed above2. As part of the conditional offer3. As an entrance exam into the Corrections Academy after hire-Polygraph Examination - based on your background investigation and personal history exam-Psychological Fitness Assessment- Statement of Fitness (Completed by Candidate's Provider)-Drug screenEligibility List - Your score is valid for 6 months after a successful background.Upcoming test dates:Free in-house testing sessions are held every first and third Saturday of the month / from 8:30 to 11:30 amJail Work Center5197 NW Lower River RoadVancouverReserve your spot today!Testing consists of a video-based written exam and a physical ability test. Both tests are required for individuals entering a career in public safety.Candidates who successfully complete both the written and physical ability tests are eligible to move to the next phase of consideration for employment.Need help preparing for the physical ability test?To help ensure your success, we've put together this simple-to-follow, six-week plan.Download six-week preparation planUnderstanding the Equivalency Process (WAC 139-05-210). As a lateral candidate from another state or with specific Washington certifications, you will typically need to complete the Washington State CJTC Equivalency Academy.Purpose: To ensure your out-of-state or prior training meets Washington State standards and to grant you Washington State Corrections Officer certification.Eligibility: Generally includes currently certified corrections officers from another state, or Washington-certified corrections officers whose certification has lapsed due to a break in service (more than 24 months but less than 60 months).Timeline: You must attend an equivalency academy within six months of hire.Process: Involves submission of documentation (as listed in the 'Ideal Candidate' and 'Selection Process' sections) and successful completion of all knowledge and skills requirements within the equivalency academy.** For corrections professionals whose prior academy experience necessitates completion of Washington's full 10-week Basic Corrections Officer Academy, we offer an entry-level hiring incentive of $10,000 upon successful graduation from the academyExamples of DutiesDuties may include but are not limited to the following:Search, fingerprint and photograph incoming inmates during booking proceduresSupervise inmates for work details and direct work of trustiesMonitor food service and control inmate movementPrepare and transport inmates to court and other appointmentsRelease inmates by established procedures for bail, court order or other authoritySupervise visitation privileges and recreation periodsMonitor security systems within the jail to maintain internal jail securityMonitor inmate mental and physical health and advise the Sergeant in charge when attention is neededObserve and direct inmate activity through visual and electronic meansRespond to emergencies, such as fire, riot, hostage problems within the jail as set forth by policy and procedureRespond with proper defensive tactics to maintain the physical safety of inmates, and other facility personnelAnswer and direct telephone callsMonitor all jail accessPerform related duties as assignedSalary GradeCorrections Deputy.102Salary Range$34.60 - $46.40- per hourClose DateOpen Until FilledRecruiterKeely WarrenEmail: Opportunity EmployerClark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark Countys Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at Benefits and additional compensationClark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at . Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at .Retirement InformationAll Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work.Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388. #J-18808-Ljbffr