Director of community corrections

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Range:

$168,022.68 - $214,389.84 Salary

Department:

Community Corrections

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning the week of Monday, October 5th. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

Washington County is seeking a Director of Community Corrections who can inspire, guide, and elevate the department’s vital work in supporting community safety and rehabilitation. This role goes beyond day‑to‑day management; it calls for a leader who can shape direction, strengthen partnerships, and champion evidence-based practices that help individuals succeed and communities thrive.

As a key member of the County Leadership Team, the Director of Community Corrections reports directly to the Assistant County Administrator and works in alignment with the Board of County Commissioners. This role requires someone who can operate effectively within a complex governmental structure, balancing strategic vision with transparent communication and coordinated partnership across County departments.

The Director will oversee a wide range of operations within Community Corrections, providing leadership grounded in accountability, fairness, and compassion. With deep experience in the criminal justice system, this leader will navigate complex programs, regulatory requirements, and various service areas, including probation, parole, residential services, and victim support, while ensuring strong alignment with laws, professional standards, and County values. The department includes two unions, and the Director must be skilled in building strong labor‑management relationships that support staff, reinforce clear communication, and maintain a respectful and collaborative environment.

We are looking for a leader who is visible, accessible, and deeply committed to staff development and wellness. Someone who values teamwork and takes the time to listen, advocating for officer safety, supporting work–life balance, and fostering an environment where employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. The Director will maintain consistent communication with represented and non‑represented staff to ensure clarity, trust, and support across the department. Whether facing routine challenges or periods of transformation, this director will bring thoughtful judgment, strategic insight, and steady leadership that aligns with and strengthens the department’s mission.

About the Department/Division:

The Washington County Community Corrections Department plays a vital role in supporting safety, accountability, and meaningful change in our community. With a budget of just over 36 million dollars and approximately 150 staff, the department provides probation, parole, post‑prison supervision, and residential services for adult justice‑involved individuals. Employees are represented by two unions, reflecting the broad team delivering critical services across multiple program areas.

The department is committed to reducing harm, supporting long‑term behavior change, and helping individuals rebuild their lives. Staff deliver structured residential programming, evidence‑based supervision, access to treatment, life‑skills support, advocacy, and mental health resources—efforts grounded in fairness, accountability, and the wellbeing of Washington County residents. This mission is carried out through close collaboration with justice partners, community organizations, service providers, and the public. Through clear communication, strong partnerships, and consistent use of evidence‑based practices, the department works to build trust, promote stability, and enhance community safety. Responsible resource stewardship and adherence to regulatory standards support these outcomes.

Together, these functions ensure a system that holds individuals accountable while contributing meaningfully to positive change and community wellbeing throughout Washington County.

Essential duties include:

• Provide leadership, direction, and strategic planning for all Community Corrections functions, ensuring compliance, accessibility, and alignment with County priorities.
• Oversee probation, parole, residential services, victim services, and related programs with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and evidence‑based practice.
• Manage department operations, budgeting, staffing, and resources with efficiency, foresight, and accountability.
• Foster a supportive and collaborative work culture that values communication, belonging, and professional growth.
• Represent the department to County leadership, justice partners, and the community with professionalism, clarity, and strong relationship‑building.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Deep knowledge of community corrections systems, including probation, parole, residential services, and evidence-based approaches to behavior change.
• Leadership practices in supervision, coaching, performance management, and workforce development.
• Expertise in budgeting, fiscal planning, program development, and long‑term resource forecasting.
• Understanding of laws, regulations, policies, and standards affecting corrections and public safety.
• Ability to work constructively within a unionized environment, including experience collaborating with labor partners, navigating collective bargaining agreements, and supporting positive labor–management relationships.
• Skill in program evaluation, data driven decision making, and service design.
• Clear, effective communication with staff, partners, and the public.
• Strong abilities in conflict deescalation, professional composure, and navigating stressful situations.
• Proficiency in analyzing complex problems and applying evidence-based decision making.
• Capacity to build collaborative relationships with employees, justice partners, and community organizations.
• Commitment to fostering staff belonging, engagement, trust, and accessible leadership.
• Experience leading teams through hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and organizational change.
• Strategic planning skills to support staffing, resources, and department priorities in a dynamic environment.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Director of Community Corrections Job Classification

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, human services, public health, or a related field; AND six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in a large, complex community corrections system leading cross-system, collaborative efforts, and complex change with at least four (4) years of professional experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

OR

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a large, complex community corrections system leading cross-system, collaborative efforts, and complex change with at least four (4) years of professional experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must be able to pass a post-offer medical and psychological assessments.
• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.
• Must acquire and maintain CPR and first aid certifications.
• Possess Basic Probation & Parole or Corrections certification from Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within six (6) months of appointment.
• Possess Middle Management Certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within one (1) year of appointment.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here.

Our commitment to you:

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference:

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

Questions?

Recruiter:
Elle Krueger
Email Address:
Elle_Krueger@washingtoncountyor.gov