Correctional Hearings Officer 3

Correctional Hearings Officer 3

Full Time | Permanent

Location: Spokane, WA

Salary Range: $6,504 - $8,747 Monthly

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees bargaining unit.

The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly dedicated legal guru to join the Employee & Business Support Services Administration Hearings Unit as a Correctional Hearings Officer 3 (CHO3)!The goal of this position is to conduct all legally binding administrative Department of Corrections hearings in accordance with identified standards and regulations as defined in statutes, case law, policies, and court decisions.

As a Correctional Hearings Officer, you will be responsible for presiding over a complex and diverse range of quasi-judicial proceedings, assuring a fair hearing process and ensuring due process requirements are met, to include the individual’s right to full and timely notice and the right to confront the evidence used against them. The hearings officer will make probable cause determinations to establish whether the evidentiary burden of proof is met.

The candidate of choice will make an independent determination, mitigating any risk of unintentional bias, bolstering impartiality and applying consistency in the application statewide. This position is a member of a regional team and contributes potential solutions and improvements that support the integrity and efficiency of Department of Corrections administrative hearings process.

If you have experience conducting hearings, presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices, and you’re searching for a meaningful career in public service, we look forward to reviewing your application materials!

A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Correctional Hearings Officer 3, some of your duties will include:

• Independently presiding over hearings and negotiated sanction reviews as assigned throughout Washington State which could include:
  • Serving as the quasi-judicial body who presides over administrative disciplinary hearings for individuals identified by statute and policy who are alleged to have committed violations of their conditions
  • Proactively avoiding all ex parte communication regarding any process they may preside over
  • Communicating with case managers regarding potential safety and security concerns
  • Collaborating with the case manager and host facility to mitigate safety and security concerns
  • Ensuring individuals are afforded all required due process and that hearing procedures are strictly followed consistent with case law and in accordance with federal and state law
  • Verifying full and timely notice, verifying jurisdiction to conduct hearing, verifying foundation for any allegation, and determining guilt of any allegation
  • Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to determine whether the preponderance standard has been met, or whether probable cause has been met for Interstate Compact hearings
  • Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to impose reasonable and appropriate sanctions, according to state law, up to and including DOSA revocation and return to prison
  • Evaluating and determining if eligible individuals require attorney representation for the hearing utilizing a screening tool
  • Presiding in hearings in which individuals are represented by an attorney
  • Determining whether discovery requests are reasonable, relevant, and not unduly burdensome, whether withheld or redacted records should be provided
  • Reviewing and approving/rejecting sanction agreements. Reviews packets to verify jurisdiction and foundation in advance of the scheduled process
  • Performing all prep work necessary to conduct hearings and negotiated sanctions within directed timeframes
• Regular statewide travel is required of Hearing Officer
• Determining if the evidentiary burden is met to support the finding of probable cause for all formal disciplinary processes for individuals supervised by the Community Corrections Division.
• Serving as the Statewide Hearings Duty Officer
• Participating as a regional hearings appeal panel member and responding to correspondence
• Training and development
• Other duties as assigned

Salary

• $6,504 - $8,747/month

Qualifications

What we need (required qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized with the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

AND

• Three (3) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices

OR

• Associates Degree

AND

• Five (5) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in Court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent

AND

• Seven (7) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• Juris Doctorate degree, or graduate degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Law or related field
• Experience as a Hearings Examiner, Mediator, Arbitrator, Court Commissioner or Judge

Other Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025