Tribal Liaison (Internal Only)

About the Department

Note: This job opportunity is only open to OFM employees.

Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $65,328 - $85,224 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed. 

Why work for the Office of the Governor?

At the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO), we are driven by a powerful mission: to create a more humane, transparent, and equitable Washington Corrections system. As an independent and impartial agency established by the Legislature, we are committed to advocating for incarcerated individuals, resolving conflicts, and fostering systemic improvements within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Our vision is to empower those impacted by incarceration to raise their concerns, reduce harm, and influence positive change across the system.

Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We provide crucial information to incarcerated individuals and their families, raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities, and ensuring that our services are equitable and inclusive. Diversity and lived experience are at the heart of our mission as we work to build a corrections system that serves everyone fairly.

The Job Opportunity

Casework and Investigations:

• Conduct independent investigations into complaints involving the Department of Corrections in accordance with agency policies, applicable laws, and professional investigative standards.
• Manage a medium caseload of investigations. 
• Gather, review, and analyze evidence, including interviews, records, policies, and other relevant documentation.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Communicate with complainants, incarcerated individuals, family members, DOC staff, and other stakeholders by telephone, written correspondence, email, and in person to obtain information, provide updates, clarify issues and facilitate the investigation process.
• Facilitate dispute resolution and negotiations with DOC staff to resolve concerns when appropriate, to resolve complaints and improve outcomes.
• Draft and send letters to complainants explaining the results of the investigation.
• Participate in weekly OCO hotline rotation.

Tribal Liaison Duties:

• Serve as the Office of the Corrections Ombuds' Tribal Liaison by developing and maintaining collaborative, government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.
• Coordinate communication and consultation with Tribal governments regarding matters within the Office's authority. 
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with Tribal Nations by ensuring timely communication, supporting consultation processes, and serving as a primary liaison between the Office and Tribal governments.
• Promote culturally responsive practices and provide guidance to staff regarding Tribal sovereignty, cultural awareness, and effective engagement.
• Develop, draft, and maintain Centennial Accord Plan and Tribal Consultation policy and provide updates as necessary.
• Make responsible efforts to collaborate with Indian Tribes in the development of policies, agreements, and program implementation that directly affects the tribes

Public Information Duties:

• Assist the Public Records Officer with the intake, review, coordination, and processing of public records requests.
• Coordinate with agency staff to locate and produce responsive records within statutory timelines. 
• Draft, prepare, and route correspondence through GovQA portal to requestors for review and approval by the Public Records Officer prior to release.
• Maintain records request tracking systems and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with legal requirements and retention standards. 

Other Duties: 

• Conduct facility visits as needed to communicate in-person to complainants, assess concerns, and/or engage in discussions with DOC staff.
• Collaborate with Ombuds staff and agency partners to improve investigative processes and service delivery.
• Develop and deliver presentations, training, and outreach materials as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, investigative practices, public records requirements, and Tribal relations.

What we need you to bring

• Demonstrated knowledge of correctional systems, investigative processes, or oversight functions, including the ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Experience performing objective investigations by gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; conducting interviews; and preparing well-supported findings and recommendations. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government relationships, and principles of consultation and engagement with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. 
• Advanced skill in building collaborative relationships and communicating effectively with Tribal governments, incarcerated individuals, family members, agency staff, and other diverse stakeholders using professionalism, diplomacy, and cultural humility. 
• Understanding of public records laws, records management practices, and the principles of confidentiality, privacy, and appropriate records disclosure. 
• Ability to analyze complex information, exercise sound judgment, resolve problems, and make informed decisions in sensitive or high-profile situations. 
• Ability to manage multiple investigations, projects, and competing priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and other business technology tools to prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and maintain case documentation. 
• Advanced skill in preparing clear, concise written reports, correspondence, and presentations, and communicating complex or sensitive information to diverse audiences. 
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, or challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques, empathy, and sound judgment.
• The ability to learn and grow: Curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.
• Experience conducting complex investigations.
• Experience in Ombuds services, conflict resolution, policy analysis, or preparing professional investigative reports.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English that supports effective communication with the individuals and communities served by this Office.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting complex investigations.
• Experience in Ombuds services, conflict resolution, policy analysis, or preparing professional investigative reports.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English that supports effective communication with the individuals and communities served by this Office.

Other Qualifications

What we offer
At OCO, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
 
Please visit our Recruitment site for a full list of employee benefits. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that ORIA offers:

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging  
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs 

Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology to screen your application. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
 
 When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.

Questions: OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at [email protected].
 

The Office of Corrections OMBUDS is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

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 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov