Juvenile Counselor I - Overnight Shift

Washington County, OR; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County’s Harkins House is seeking a Juvenile Counselor I to care for youth in a milieu setting, conducting group activities, supervising overnight shifts, and documenting progress. The role emphasizes teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and supportive family engagement for successful community return.

The position requires handling overnight hours (10:30pm–7:00am, Wed-Sun) and weekend work, with AFSCME representation and comprehensive county benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field with 1-year practicum or 1 year supervised counseling experience.
• Associate's degree with 3 years of supervised counseling experience.
• Five years of supervised counseling experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct care through supervision and monitoring of youth behavior.
• Run groups for youth and take youth on outings.
• Maintain a safe milieu environment and timely, accurate documentation.
• Work as part of a close-knit team to support youth and families.

Skills

Behavior management

Team communication

Calm under pressure

Flexibility

Trauma Informed Care

Time management

Team player

Feedback acceptance

Holiday willingness

Swing shift experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field

Associate's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field

Five years of supervised counseling experience

Job description

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type: Regular

Pay Range: $31.59 - $38.43 Hourly

Department: Juvenile

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

About the Opportunity:

The Department of Juvenile Services is actively recruiting for a Juvenile Counselor I to join our team!

As a Juvenile Counselor I at Harkins House, you will be working directly with youth in our care in a milieu setting to increase their ability to be successful in their communities. This position includes direct care through supervision and monitoring youth behavior, skill building, running groups for youth, taking youth on outings, maintaining a safe milieu environment, timely and accurate documentation, and working as part of a close-knit team. We are looking for applicants who are team players and willing and able to support the youth, their families and the Harkins House team in teaching youth for a successful return to the community.

The role works an overnight shift and includes weekend work. Overnight shifts work the hours of 10:30pm-7:00am Wednesday through Sunday.

This position is represented by the AFSCME labor organization. To review the full collective bargaining agreement, including any position‑specific benefits, please use the following link: Labor Agreements .

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• An ability to work with youth who display oppositional and defiant behaviors and to guide them in pro‑social decision making.

• Ability to communicate well with coworkers.

• Ability to problem‑solve and remain calm in stressful situations.

• Ability to be flexible and open to change.

• Understanding of Trauma Informed Care practices and other evidenced based strategies when working with youth.

• Ability to prepare accurate reports under specific timelines and to have excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work well within a fast-paced team environment.

• Ability to accept feedback.

• Willingness to work holidays.

• Willing to work swing shifts that may include weekends.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Juvenile Counselor I .

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND completion of a one-year practicum OR one (1) year of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR

• Associate's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND three (3) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR

• Five (5) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.

• Must pass an extensive background check.

• Must be CPR Certified within 6 months of hire.

• Some positions may require the ability to lift, push, pull, move up to 35 lbs.

About the Department/Division:

Harkins House is a 24/7 residential program in Washington County serving youth between the ages of 12-18 who are involved with the juvenile justice system. As a Juvenile Counselor I, you will have an opportunity to help make a difference for adolescents and their families through direct care work with youth in the program. Harkins House is a fast-paced environment, so having an ability to manage stress, prioritize duties, and focus on improving the lives of the youth in our care is essential. We work to maintain and promote a positive work culture and welcome individuals who share in our mission.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here .

Our commitment to you: Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community .

Veterans' Preference: If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points .

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application: You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.