Civil Service Employment

Civil Service is charged with the recruitment, testing, hiring and promotion of all Sheriff's Office employees under Chapter 41.14 RCW. This covers approximately one-quarter of the county employees.

The Civil Service Commission sits as a judicial board to conduct hearings and investigations in accordance with Chapter 41.14 RCW; to hear and determine appeals or complaints from employees or applicants in such matters as may be referred to the Commission.

The public Civil Service Commission meeting is held at 2:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.  If the office is closed for holiday, the meeting will be held the following day.  If the meeting location is changed, the location will be posted on the website. 

The next regular Civil Service Commission meeting will be held Monday, July 8, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., in the 4^th Floor Conference Room, Broadway Centre Building, 721 N Jefferson, Spokane, WA  99260.

Contact Information:

Civil Service Commission
1229 W Mallon
Spokane, WA 99260-0080
(509) 477-4711
 

Qualifications

This is a list of qualifications for entrance examination for employment in the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

All Applicants:

1. Must be a citizen of the United States who can read, write and speak the English language.
2. Must show proof of age and high school diploma (or equivalent) and college degree with transcript, if applicable, at time of filing application.
3. Veteran's preference granted in accordance with Washington State Law. A copy of DD214 Member form 4 is required.
4. Examination notices shall contain a minimum age. An individual may qualify to take the entrance examination for a classification which has a minimum age of 21 providing the individual will pass the minimum age birth date during the life of the eligible list established by that examination. A successful candidate will have delayed eligibility until the required minimum age is attained.
5. Must meet physical requirements of the Spokane County Civil Service Commission established and verified by the Sheriff's Office as job related.
6. Any criminal conviction or falsification of application may disqualify applicant.
7. A high rate of traffic violations and/or accidents or failure to pass the Washington State examination for driver's license may disqualify.
8. Applicant must qualify through background review and will be required to complete a polygraph screening covering background and character. Must qualify on medical examination prior to appointment. Some positions require psychological evaluations.

Testing

All tests must be given in Spokane County under the jurisdiction of the Spokane County Civil Service Commission on dates shown on the official Notice of Examination.

Anyone meeting the qualifications may register for the next examination. Notice will give test date and closing date for filing application. All tests are given to establish eligible lists for each job classification. Hiring is from the eligible list in order of grade standing as positions become available or need arises, but no applicant will be given final certification for appointment until the candidate has satisfactorily qualified on the pre-employment background interview, oral boards, polygraph screening, medical examination and/or psychological evaluation.

Change of Address Notification: This office must be advised of any change of address after registering. If a registrant cannot be located because of failure to report change of address, that name shall be removed from the register.

Benefits

The following is a brief description of the benefits currently offered to Civil Service employees of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (in regular status). Benefits are subject to change and may differ according to collective bargaining agreements.

Hospitalization and Major Medical Insurance

2 plans from which to choose: MSC Preferred Provider and Group Health Northwest.

Dental Insurance

Full family coverage according to plan provisions. The current plans are Washington Dental Service and Willamette Dental. Spokane County pays the full premium for employees, and there are minimal charges for spouses and dependents.

Vision Care Plan
 

Short & Long Term Disability Coverage

Short-Term plan has a 60 calendar day benefit waiting period. Long-Term plan has a 180-day waiting period.

Life Insurance

$10,000 term life coverage; supplemental coverage available.

Pension Plan

Employer/ employee contribution plan.

Deferred Compensation

Tax deferred long-term investment program.

Employee Assistance Program

Counseling for employee and dependents.

Paid Leave
 

Merit Award Program

Cash awards for employee suggestions.

Credit Union

Loans, savings and financial counseling.

Commute Trip Reduction Program

Offering discounted bus passes, as well as incentives for carpooling and using alternative modes of transportation.

Deputy Sheriffs have longevity or education pay, shift differential, specialty pay, uniform allowance and vacation.

Members of represented unions may have changes in plans and benefits per union negotiated contracts.