See Corrections Specialist Assistant.

This is the senior-level of the series, independently performs complex duties and serves as the program specialist responsible for corrections programs or activities within an assigned division, region or for a designated geographical area such as:

• Audits correctional programs for compliance with policy;
• Manages a specialized caseload of individuals under DOC jurisdiction, such as those under Least Restrictive Alternative or Family Offender Sentencing Alternative;
• Oversight, coordination and implementation of correctional programs or activities such as the Responsible Fatherhood Opportunities for Reentry and Mobility (ReFORM) and the Substance Abuse Recovery Unit (SARU) treatment programs;

Within a major security facility or correctional complex that includes multiple levels of confinement, has overall responsibility of institutional hearings or a multi-million dollar custody roster management program.

Prepares and maintains administrative and business reports, records, comprehensive plans, summaries and recommendations;

Works with program participants, staff, representatives of outside organizations and/or members of the public in defining needs and planning, designing and developing specialized program activities; monitors and tracks participant eligibility and participation in program activities;

Conducts administrative segregation and institutional disciplinary hearings; ensures hearings are held in accordance with policy and WAC;

Coordinates a major function of the chemical dependency treatment program;

Coordinates programs for individuals with hearing impairments;

Completes chemical dependency screens or risk assessment reports ordered by the court;

Completes evaluations of individuals under DOC jurisdiction related to cognitive behavior intervention programs and training; provides oversight of cognitive behavior interventions;

Identifies and recruits eligible individuals under DOC jurisdiction as program participants;

Interprets RCWs, WACs, federal regulation and/or case law;

Develops and manages the master roster at a major facility to include cost effective use of assigned staff, coordinating bid process, ensuring compliance with field instructions/Operational Memorandums and union contracts; as well as prepare analysis of data, indicating trends and problem areas related to custody staff management and overtime;

Assesses treatment needs for individuals under DOC jurisdiction, such as substance use disorder treatment;

Performs other related work as required;

May supervise lower level staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Bachelor's degree


Four years of professional experience in adult or juvenile corrections, social services or closely related field.

Note: Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for up to two years of the desired education. A Master's degree will substitute for one year of experience.

New class effective June 1, 2005; Corrections Specialist 4 (replaces 39170 Correctional Program Manager).
Added class series concept and revised definition; adopted August 13, 2015; effective August 14, 2015.
Revised definition and typical work; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017.
Revised class series concept, definition, typical work and desirable qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.
Revised definition and typical work; and removed distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.