Juvenile Corrections Officer

Spokane County; United States; On-site; USD 64,643 - 90,069; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County is seeking an entry-level Juvenile Corrections Officer responsible for the health and safety of juveniles at the Juvenile Detention Center. Duties include supervising youth, conducting discussions, and maintaining security within a maximum-security facility.

The ideal candidate must have a high school diploma, one year in youth corrections, and complete required training. Salary ranges from $64,643 to $90,069 annually based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• One year working in adult corrections or with youth in a related setting.
• Valid Washington Driver’s License required.
• At least 21 years of age at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, monitor, and provide care for juvenile offenders.
• Lead discussions and teach classes to encourage lawful behavior.
• Maintain safety and security for juveniles while detained.

Skills

Knowledge of group and individual behavior patterns of youth

Skilled in writing clear, concise and accurate documentation

Ability to communicate orally with youth and parents

Ability to intervene in a crisis situation

Skilled in group dynamics, diplomacy and persuasion

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Completion of a two‑week Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Corrections Officer Academy

Tools

Basic computer word processing and data entry

Job description

Job Summary

The position allocated to this class is an entry‑level Juvenile Corrections Officer responsible for the health and welfare, safety and security of juveniles detained at the Juvenile Detention Center. Duties include supervising, monitoring, and providing care for juvenile offenders and other court‑involved youth in a confined, 24‑hour maximum‑security facility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a positive role model for juveniles detained at the center.
• Lead group and individual discussions; teach classes to encourage law‑abiding behavior; report on behavior of youth; and work in coordination with probation staff, medical and treatment staff, teachers, community agencies, judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys.
• Search (pat down and strip) and remove personal property.
• Review social files and gather information to establish criteria for admission or release from detention; complete the appropriate forms.
• Contact parents, guardians, caseworkers, probation counselors or parole counselors; consult with supervisor on releases and shift problems.
• Provide orientation on facility rules and regulations; provide for health, safety and recreation needs of juveniles.
• Check security of building, doors and windows; maintain safety and security for juveniles while detained.
• Oversee youth movement, including meals, showers, room clean‑up, school, physical training and recreational activities while maintaining safety and security for youth and staff.
• Provide positive individual and group supervision of juveniles participating in programming and attending to their needs.
• Escort youth to and from court while providing security in court.
• Follow medical orders when dispensing medication to juvenile offenders.
• Speak with and de‑escalate youth in crisis while maintaining safety and security; intervene in emergency or crisis situations; use physical restraint as necessary to restore order.
• Maintain and submit written documentation of all incidents concerning youth.
• Perform janitorial and maintenance tasks related to maintaining physical condition of building; perform laundry duties.
• Perform admission and release functions; maintain records.
• Serve and occasionally prepare meals; order kitchen food and cleaning supplies.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year working in adult corrections or with youth in a setting such as detention, probation/parole, residential care, recreation, education, community center, institutional, counseling, or a related area.
• Valid Washington Driver’s License.
• Completion of a two‑week Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Corrections Officer Academy within the first six months of appointment or within the probationary period.
• Valid Washington State Food Workers Card.
• First Aid, CPR and AED certification.
• At least 21 years of age at time of hire; successful completion of a criminal background check, polygraph test, physical examination, physical abilities test, and drug test.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of group and individual behavior patterns of youth.
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
• Skilled in basic computer word processing and data entry.
• Skilled in group dynamics, diplomacy and persuasion.
• Skilled in writing clear, concise and accurate documentation.
• Ability to read, comprehend and enforce facility rules and regulations in a positive manner.
• Ability to intervene in a crisis situation and use physical restraint to restore order and calm residents.
• Ability to communicate orally with youth and parents in a manner that gains their respect and confidence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other elements of the criminal justice system, social and community agencies and the public.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures.
• Ability to be a positive role model to detained youth and convey a professional image in appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to strictly adhere to professional boundaries, Juvenile Court and County policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to shift work, including day, evening and weekend hours.

Behavioral Standards

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions. These values include Respect, Communication, Accountability, Integrity, and Innovation.

Working Conditions

The work environment is primarily inside, with moderate noise and temperature levels. Work is also performed outdoors and may require occasional travel within the County. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees may be required to perform duties not specifically described in this job description but reasonably considered incidental to their duties.

Total Compensation

$64,643 - $90,069 annually, based on base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer‑paid health and related benefit contribution rates.