(1) Class III work programs are operated by the department to support internal prison operation and maintenance needs and if possible, offset tax and other public support costs. Offenders are assigned to Class III work programs.

(2) A contract is not required for Class III programs.

(3) Each prison will determine its own Class III work programs.

(4) Whenever possible, Class III programs will provide forty hours per week of basic work, or work training and experience, to help offenders to qualify for better offender work programs and/or work in the community upon release.

(5) With approval of the secretary, a facility may, by written contract, partner with a public benefit nonprofit corporation to provide job specific training and work to offenders within the prison. Work performed by the offenders must be designed to produce goods or services for public agencies and/or public benefit nonprofit corporations at a reduced cost.

After completion of training, offenders may request assignment to the Class III program in the prison in which they received job specific training. Offenders assigned to such Class III programs may be required by the program to fulfill occasional job related work requirements outside of the prison. Offenders approved for such occasional off-site Class III work will be:

(a) Approved, in advance, by the prison superintendent or designee, to leave the prison grounds;

(b) Escorted by, and under the supervision of, a correctional officer at all times;

(c) Required to return to the prison the same day. Overnight absences will not be permitted; and

(d) Covered by the department offender health plan in the event of illness or injury while away from the prison.

(6) The department will:

(a) Screen and select the offenders to work in Class III programs based upon eligibility criteria developed by the department;

(b) At state expense, provide the management, work supervision, security and custody services required for all Class III programs; and

(c) Compensate offenders for work in Class III programs.

(i) The compensation paid to offenders working under Class III job descriptions shall be the same across all prisons for work that utilizes the same or similar job descriptions; and

(ii) Compensation will be paid to offenders in accordance with a payment scale established by the department for Class III work.

(7) Offenders working in Class III work programs are not eligible for industrial insurance benefits. (See RCW 72.60.102.)