Salary: $4,421.00 - $5,892.00 Monthly Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2025-05485 Department: Dept. of Corrections Division: Reentry Opening Date: 08/05/2025 Closing Date: 8/12/2025 10:00 AM Pacific Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description Program Specialist 2Full Time | Permanent Location: Tumwater, WASalary Range: $4,421 - $5,892 Monthly This position is represented by the Teamsters 117 bargaining unit and is open to current DOC employees only. This position is telework eligible up to two days per week. The telework schedule will be determined by the hiring manager. The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a talented team player to join the Reentry Housing Assistance Program as a Program Specialist 2! The goal of this position is to aid housing specialists by managing and documenting all approved applications, payment due dates for vendors, upcoming approved individuals, and communications with the business office regarding payments and refunds. This position fulfills the Department's mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives by helping support stable housing for individuals reintegrating into the community. The Program Specialist 2 supports the Reentry Division's purpose of providing people with focused opportunities for success by working closely with the Department's Regional Housing Specialists, ensuring housing assistance payments are made on time, making accurate updates to the Statewide Transitional Housing Directory, and assisting with housing eligibility determinations in accordance with state law(s) and agency policies. This dynamic role assumes various tasks including the creation of organizational files, tracking cases via the Offender Release Plans, and corresponding with various case managers. You will also work with regional housing specialists and case managers to coordinate and initiate housing assistance, reviewing cases on pre-determined timeframes to ensure tasks are being completed. We are looking for a proactive individual who has excellent attention to detail, and possesses critical time management and organizational skills! 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 Program Specialist 2, some of your duties will include:
- Completing Reentry Housing Assistance Program payment requests in coordination with Regional Housing Specialists which could include:
- Compiling information, calculate rental dates and fees, determination voucher type and budget codes, track vouchers, verifying account numbers, billing information, property address, county, and case manager, provide copies of payment form to the assigned regional housing specialist and case manager
- Inputting recurring monthly payment details into SharePoint, documenting approved voucher type, vendor, and rental address, rental dates, rental amount, and case manager, calculate payment dates, update case notes, document all payments, cancellations and activities related to reentry housing assistance payments
- Determining if an individual continues to require housing assistance and remains in compliance and eligible
- Reviewing submitted Housing Assistance Program applications for accuracy
- Daily monitoring of the Reentry Housing Assistance Program mailbox
- Adding new housing vendors and/or addresses to the Statewide Transitional Housing Directory on the SharePoint Site
Qualifications What we need (required qualifications):
- A High School Diploma or GED equivalent
AND
- Four (4) years full time experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work, two years which must be at the senior clerical level or higher.
OR
- Associates degree from a recognized accredited college and/or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
AND
- Two (2) years full time experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work.
In addition to the above education and experience, the below knowledge, skills and/or abilities are required:
- Intermediate Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (SharePoint, Excel, WORD, Teams, and Outlook).
- Intermediate proficiency in Adobe
- Demonstrated ability to support multiple assignments, and produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time
- Demonstrated ability to support multiple co-workers, by completing assigned administrative tasks within program Timeline
What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):
- Bachelor's degree from a recognized accredited college and/or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Knowledge of DOC programs, policies and procedures including performance goals and objectives
- Intermediate proficiency with Offender Management Network Information (OMNI)
Supplemental 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 and 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.
- DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit
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 ' web site. For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email
[email protected] or call us at 509-###-####. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####. 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 (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 (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 , 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 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 01 Are you a current DOC employee?
02 Please indicate your highest level of education:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associates degree from a recognized accredited college and/or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Bachelor's degree from a recognized accredited college and/or university whose accreditations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Masters degree or higher
03 If you have a degree obtained outside of the United States, have you included a foreign credential evaluation report with your application? (You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org)
04 How many years of full time experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work do you possess?
- I do not have this experience
- I have one year of this experience
- I have two to three years of this experience
- I have four or more years of this experience
05 Do you have two years of senior clerical work?
06 Please select all computer applications in which you have intermediate or above experience with:
- SharePoint
- Excel
- Word
- Teams
- Outlook
- Adobe
- I do not have intermediate experience with any of the above computer applications
07 Please describe your ability to support multiple assignments, and produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time, even when there are competing deadlines. 08 How did you hear about this opportunity?
- Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
- Indeed
- DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
- Job/career fair
- Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
- WorkSource
- Veteran outreach
- Referral from current DOC employee
- Other
09 If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents:
10 If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?
Required Question
