Benefits
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 and that your priority is making sure 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.
Department of Corrections (DOC) employees and their families enjoy an impressive number of benefits that include:
- Complete compensation package
- Family medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Up to 22 days paid vacation per year, depending on years of service
- 12 days paid sick leave per year
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Retirement plan
- Group life insurance plan
- Tuition waiver at state colleges and universities
- Long-term disability insurance
- Deferred Compensation
- Dependent Care Assistance Program
- 21 days paid military leave
- Moving expense reimbursement for hard-to-fill positions
- Stable employment
- Abundant promotional opportunities
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program
For full benefit details, visit the Office of Financial Management's (OFM) Benefits website .
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Many DOC employees are members of a Collective Bargaining Unit, sometimes referred to as a union. The agreements that cover the Department of Corrections are available below.
2021-23 Agreements – July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023
Health Insurance
Most employees and their families are eligible for medical, dental, basic life and basic long-term disability insurance plans approved by the Public Employees Benefits Board . Employees may choose the medical program that will best suit their needs from the available plans. Further information on each of the plans is available on the Public Employees Benefits Board section of the Health Care Authority website.
Paid Holidays & Leave
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays; ten pre-designated (WAC 357-31-005 ) and one personal holiday (WAC 357-31-055 ). Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees earn one day of sick leave each month. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro rata basis (WAC 357-31-115 ).
Retirement
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' (DRS) website.
More Benefits
Deferred Compensation Program
Department of Corrections employees are eligible to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) , a supplemental retirement plan that offers participants control over their investments. The DCP reduces your federal annual taxable income by allowing you to invest a portion of your income before it is taxed. The Department of Retirement Systems administers the program, visit their DCP webpage for additional information.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is the official program for employees and their family members. The EAP provides assessment and referral services for all types of difficulties related to health, family, marital, drug, alcohol, emotional, stress, and financial issues that can affect job performance. The EAP is confidential and offered at no cost to employees and their family members. You may review what the Employee Assistance Program offers by visiting their website .
Tuition Assistance
The Department recognizes the value of well-educated and well-trained employees and supports the tuition reimbursement program within available funds. Employees are encouraged to further their personal and professional development goals through appropriate formal education programs (DOC 880.130 Tuition Reimbursement
). State employees may also be eligible to have all or a portion of the tuition and services and activities fees waived at state colleges and universities (RCW 28B.15.558 ).