Juvenile Counselor I - Overnight Shift

Washington County; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County is seeking a Juvenile Counselor I to work at Harkins House, overseeing direct care and group activities for youth 12–18 in a milieu setting. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and collaboration within a close team.

The overnight shift (10:30pm–7:00am, Wed–Sun) includes weekend work and requires driving/ background checks, CPR certification within 6 months, and a commitment to trauma-informed practices to support youth toward successful reintegration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or related field.
• One year practicum or one year of supervised work experience with juveniles and families.
• Five years of supervised work experience in juvenile counseling.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor youth behavior and provide guidance.
• Run groups and support skill-building activities.
• Take youth on outings and maintain a safe milieu environment.
• Prepare timely, accurate reports and work as part of a close-knit team.
• Support youth and families for successful reentry into the community.

Skills

Youth counseling

Teamwork

Trauma‑Informed Care

Time management

Communication

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Feedback acceptance

Holiday work

Swing shifts

Education

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

Associate's degree with 3 years of juvenile counseling experience

Five years of supervised juvenile 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.