Corrections Specialist 2 - Patient Care Navigator - WCC

Posting number: HS-WCC-2026-09222

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Division: HS - WCC

Job classification: CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Corrections, Health Services, Health Care Support

Corrections Specialist 2 - Patient Care NavigatorNon-PermanentWashington Corrections Center (WCC)Shelton, WA

The Department of Corrections Health Services Division is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the critical position of a Corrections Specialist 2 (CS2) Patient Care Navigator at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) located in Shelton, WA.

The goal of the Patient Care Navigator is to provide outreach and education services for identified high risk members. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to make connections and building relationships with vulnerable populations. The Care Navigator works collaboratively with nursing staff, the primary care provider and patient service representatives with the purpose of making the critical linages to health information/services and assists with care coordination. The Patient Care Navigator is flexible and willing to work in a dynamic and evolving role according to individual patient and program demands, has strong verbal/ written communication skills, and strong organizational skills. To work with the patient and their clinic team to eliminate barriers to necessary medical care including timely screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.

Washington Corrections Center is our transition center were all newly incarcerated individuals assigned to DOC come to for initial evaluation before being placed at an appropriate correctional facility. This is a busy facility seeing patients for physicals and transfers. Washington Corrections Center has both inpatient and outpatient clinics that see numerous patients for different health needs and concerns.

Assists patient in navigating diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other complex chronic diseases involving multiple sites of care. Establish rapport with patients via face-to-face encounters and written communications to serve as a point of contact and link between care team members and patients at risk to encounter barriers to necessary care. Serve as a point of contact to informally resolve patient's concerns or barriers related to access to timely care:

• Coordinates, facilitates and negotiates services and resources to support coordination and continuity of care.
• Collaborates with physicians, peers, community colleagues and others to coordinate care across the health care continuum and to continually improve patient care and services.
• Explain and clarify any applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Works quickly to eliminate barriers and challenges associated with cross continuum care coordination that might adversely impact patient care:

• Works to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes.
• Accesses and acts on information related to denials and barriers to ensure effective continuity of care.
• Refers quality, infection control and risk management issues to appropriate individual or department.
• Works with patients and refers complex cases to the primary care team to facilitate timely multidisciplinary case conferences.
• Evaluates program to include reviewing and analyzing data, identification of trends, and making recommendations to team, supervisor, and management.

Responsible for serving as patient liaison and advocate for patients to achieve quality patient focused outcomes:

• Assists patients along their care pathway by serving as an advocate.
• Share assessments and patient response; remains a support system through out the patient's course of treatment.
• Provides education and logistical support.
• Provides education and support and ensure that patient understands follow up and referral information.
• Collaborates with the patient, patient representatives and interdisciplinary team

Responsible for serving as patient liaison and advocate for vulnerable patient populations to achieve quality patient focused outcomes:

• Provides liaison services between provider and clients. Assists clients in completing forms and applications to receive services.
• Assists patients along their care pathway by serving as an advocate.
• Shares assessments and patient response; remains a support system thought out the patient’s course of treatment.
• Provides education and logistical support.
• Provides education and support to promote patient coping skills, ensures that patient understands follow up and referral information.
• Maintains ongoing communication with patients to check progress.
• Collaborates with the patient, patient representatives and interdisciplinary team.
• Provide relevant education and information regarding resources to patient/surrogate.
• Provides support for patients after hospitalization or infirmary stay to promote self-care.
• Partners with and supports care teams in patient care activities and care transitions
• Ensures that patients receive education of health and wellness activities, disease process and DOC 03- 446 (Rev. 11/23/20) 3 of 7 DOC 820.200 interventions, next steps, and other critical factors in overall health maintenance.
• Meet with patients within fourteen days of being notified to discuss Gender Affirming care and potential need.

Actively Participates in Clinic/ Facility Wide Coordinated Quality Improvement, Meetings, Projects and Programs:

• Maintains current knowledge of departmental policies/standards/procedures, new clinical procedures/processes, patient safety goals, core measure quality indicators and other issues/requirements.
• Participates as successful member of a multi-disciplinary team, understanding the value of individual work styles, roles and standards.
• Participates in required trainings and attend department team meetings.
• Develops and maintains processes.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of the Guidelines for Healthcare of Transgender Individuals.
• Assists treatment providers with case management and case tracking.
• Attends the Gender Affirming Pre-Surgical MDT meeting, Transgender Cultural Awareness meeting, LGBTQ+ Peer Support group and other meetings as scheduled.

Establishes rapport that preserve professional boundaries with patients:

• Basic Knowledge of appropriate boundaries and limits around personal self-disclosure when working as a member of health and support services.
• Cultural sensitivity and competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication.
• Sensitivity to coordination of care requirements for all patients.
• Assists clients in achieving identified health improvement and stabilization goals.

• Two (2) years of experience in a health care setting.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Sharepoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Three years of professional experience in adult corrections, social services or closely related field.
• Experience with case management for physical and/or behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of community resources.

• Bachelor’s degree in social services related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Experience working in an adult Correctional Facility.

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:

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 3 days of Bereavement Leave
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans.

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.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email .

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.

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

Our Core Values:

1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

• 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

• 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 ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
• 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.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.