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Corrections Sergeant

Alva Songer

Alva Songer

Biography

I started my career at 23 years old with Washington State Department of Corrections. I have also worked for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and now serve as a sergeant with Clark County Department of Jail Services.

Throughout my 25-year career, I have had the opportunity to be a field training officer, instructor, and Security Threat Group/Gang officer. In addition, I’ve served as a member of the Security Response team, Peer Support team, Recruitment team, and helped develop and run the Re-entry program.

A career in corrections is challenging and complex, but very rewarding. The work we do is vital to our community and public safety.

I am a husband, father, and mentor. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends doing all sorts of activities from traveling, sports and spending time on our property

 

Frequently asked Questions

High school diploma or GED
• No felony convictions
• A valid driver’s license
• 21 years of age by the time of hire
• Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check.

Clark County Jail Services adheres to the State of Washington and the Criminal Justice Training
Commissions’ requirements for background investigations under RCW 43.101.095.
Below you will find a summary of automatic disqualifiers and areas that are reviewed for
suitability:

• Felony conviction regardless of status
• Domestic violence charges
• Manufacturing and/or distribution of illegal drugs
• Reckless/negligent/DUI within the last three years
• Dishonorable discharge from military service
• Failure to register for Selective Service
• Discharge from a criminal justice agency related to honesty
• Affiliation with gangs or extremist groups
• Recent patterns of behavior that erode public trust

Application: All candidates must submit a job application Testing:

• Written test: All candidates must complete a written exam. Exam scores of 70% or above are invited to continue in the hiring process. • Physical test: All candidates must complete the Washington Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail) Candidates for the position of corrections officer must successfully complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT) to view a demonstration click the link below http://https://vimeo.com/491713554?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner =105896965

Selection interview: All candidates must complete a panel interview. This interview is the only opportunity for candidates to demonstrate why they’re the best fit for the corrections officer position and will determine if the candidate moves to the conditional offer phase. A member of the recruitment team will contact candidates to schedule interviews after they complete the previous steps. Conditional offer of employment: All candidates must successfully pass the following exams to begin their career: (Please note all appointments/exams are arranged on the candidate’s behalf.)
  • Background Investigation: Once candidates have received a conditional offer a link will be provided to an online personal history information questionnaire. Once the completed questionnaire has been received, the department background unit will conduct a thorough background investigation. This process can take some time while the investigator gathers information. (Please see a list of disqualifiers.)
  • Polygraph Exam
  • Psychological Exam
  • Physical Ability Exam (Please note the physical ability test will be administered a 3rd time after hire as an entrance exam into the Corrections Academy)
  • Medical Fitness Exam with drug screening.
  • Final Offer of employment with start date and first day Information
The written test measures skills such as reading comprehension, written expression, basic math, memorization and recall, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning and spatial orientation. No prior experience is required. You may purchase study materials and practice tests at: https://ergopracticetests.com/ Two testing options are available: Please contact Recruiting Sergeant Alva Songer at alva.songer@clark.wa.gov for information regarding free local testing events hosted by Clark County Jail Services or test through Public Safety Testing: Check their website for testing schedules and rates https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/ or   1.866.HIRE-911 (1.866.447.3911) Participants will have approximately four hours to complete the written exam.
Panel interviews can be intimidating. Don’t be nervous. Taking time to prepare will enable you to ace the oral board interview with flying colors. • Learn as much as you can about the job, agency and the community • Come to the interview looking like you care. Make sure your attire is clean, crisp and presentable. • Bring a notepad and pen to write down names if multiple people are interviewing you. • When answering questions, look panel members in the eye. • Practice Oral Board questions: Ask a friend or family member to quiz you with possible questions:

o Why do you want to become a corrections officer? o Why do you want to work for Clark County? o If a superior officer told you to do something you knew was against regulations, what would you do? o What would you do if a close family member was booked into the jail during your shift?

The length of the hiring process varies. You can assist by completing testing and provide
documents (school transcripts, certifications, records) needed to complete the background
check in a timely manner.

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ABOUT US
Clark County Jail Services promotes and maintains public safety through effective correctional and reentry practices. A safe, suitable jail facility for those housed in the jail, as well as those who work and provide services in the jail, continues to be the number one priority for this countywide service.
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