Juvenile Detention Officer 3 - Swing Shift

  • Pierce County, WA
  • El Paso, Texas
  • Full Time

Description

Summary

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Pierce County has one of the most forward-thinking social rehabilitation programs in the country. Your passion for supporting, coaching and mentoring young people in the community, along with the skillsets you bring, will be valued here. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspectives and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community.

Our Guiding Principles

We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.

We Value Differences:Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.

We Maintain a Growth Mindset:Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow.

We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other at all times.

We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Success in this position is measured by the ability tobuild and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach, and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as a priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma-informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.

  • Ability to work in a high-conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for young people and families.
  • Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own.
  • Be culturally humble and responsive.
  • Write and speak persuasively.
  • Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma-informed and anti-racist lens.
  • Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long-term success in the field of child welfare.

Your Future in the Role:

As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward-thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in everchanging and innovative environments.

This position has opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve.

Click here to watch a short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court:

Core Daily Responsibilities:

  • Plans, organizes and directs the activities of subordinate employees; disseminates information concerning new policies and procedures; performs standard supervisory functions related to personnel management, including participation in hiring interviews, training, scheduling, setting and enforcing standards, preparing performance appraisals, conducting performance counseling, and reviewing annual salary step increases.
  • Assists in the development of policies and procedures and assures that they are followed.
  • Acts as liaison between outgoing and incoming shifts, as well as between detention and other agency departments, Administration and the public.
  • Ensures that staff have the information, skills and supplies needed to do their job.
  • Advises, assists and/or intervenes to resolve behavior adjustment problems of youths in detention.
  • Inspects the detention areas at regular intervals and maintains an established standard of hygiene, safety and security.
  • Ensures internal and external building security, as well as the security of outdoor recreational areas by physically inspecting windows, doors, roof areas, etc.
  • Conducts the initial investigation involving assaults, escapes, injuries and other incidents and prepares written reports.

Link to the classificationhere.

Strategic Responsibilities and Values:

You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court. You should support the vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths so that they can reach their full potential. You should instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Completion of Bachelor Degree in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; and three years experience as a Detention Officer 1 and 2.
  • Additional education, training or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.

Special Requirements:

  • A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
  • Physical strength and agility necessary to subdue and restrain a young person in the event they are an imminent harm to themselves or others. Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a County-approved physical examination may be required.
  • Shift work is required. May be required to work overtime.
  • Must maintain a current phone number or message phone.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final selection.
  • Within 60 days of hire must successfully pass Washington state approved CPR course.
  • Within 15 days of hire must complete PPD Tuberculin skin test with appropriate follow-up.
  • Must satisfactorily complete the Training Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

1) Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.

2) Attach the following documents to your online application:

  • College transcripts or college diploma
  • Other documents which you feel would facilitate this process or assist us in determining your suitability for the position. Examples: job performance evaluations, awards, certificates, decorations, etc.

Other Important Information:

  • If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or anyWorkSourcelocation and use their computers.
  • Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at ..., at least two days prior to the need.
  • This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written and/or oral examinations, performance examinations, and interviews.
  • Notification of application status normally occurs 1-2 weeks after the closing date. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted once an outcome has been reached. We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from piercecounty.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
  • The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or two entering the required information. It may be helpful to you if you print the announcement, gather the information, then enter the information.
  • In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and timelisted on this job announcement.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?

Job ID: 523418685
Originally Posted on: 6/3/2026

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