Corrections Specialist 4 (Domestic Violence Treatment)
Washington State Department of Corrections via Government Jobz
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking expert-level Corrections Specialist 4 (CS4) professionals for the Domestic Violence Treatment Program (DVTP). In this statewide role, you will be a lead resource in clinical reentry services, working to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Explore more Washington State law enforcement careers on our platform.
The Mission of Reentry & DVTP
The DVTP is responsible for delivering evidence-based clinical assessments and therapy to individuals currently incarcerated or recently released. By addressing the root causes of intimate partner violence, you directly impact the safety of victims and the community at large.
Key Responsibilities
- Expert Clinical Service: Provide individual and group evidence-based domestic violence treatment for adult men and women in field and reentry settings.
- Risk Assessment: Use DSHS-approved behavioral assessments to determine treatment targets and risk levels.
- Policy Leadership: Contribute to the development, review, and improvement of statewide DVT policies and quality assurance standards.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with victim advocates, local task forces, and case managers to develop protective factors for clients.
Context: Domestic Violence & Recidivism Statistics
Evidence-based treatment is critical because of the prevalence and impact of domestic violence within the justice system:
- Recidivism Reduction: Programs adhering to the “Risk-Need-Responsivity” (RNR) model—like the one utilized by WA DOC—can reduce recidivism rates by up to 15-20% compared to traditional supervision alone.
- Gender Demographics: While domestic violence is often viewed through a single lens, approximately 85-90% of court-mandated treatment participants in statewide corrections systems are male, though programs for female offenders are a growing area of focus.
- Racial Representation: In the Washington State prison population, individuals identifying as Black/African American are disproportionately represented at approximately 17%, despite making up only 4-5% of the state’s general population. This role emphasizes equitable and inclusive treatment to address these systemic disparities.
Required Qualifications
To qualify for this CS4 position through Government Jobz, you must meet the following:
- Certification: Ability to obtain/maintain WA State Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 30 days of hire.
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related behavioral science.
- Experience: Two (2) years of experience in domestic violence, mental health, or chemical dependency treatment (including at least 6 months of group therapy experience).
- Substitution: A Master’s Degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Benefits of Washington State Employment
Washington offers one of the most competitive benefit packages in the U.S. public sector. See more government benefit comparisons here:
- Paid Leave: 14 to 25 vacation days annually plus 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) with employer contributions.
- Insurance: Comprehensive family medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Growth: Longevity salary steps (Step M) and professional development opportunities.
Apply via Washington State Careers