Juvenile Detention Officer 1 - Day and Swing available

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County Juvenile Court in Tacoma, WA is hiring for a Regular 40 hour per week position with a swing shift from 3pm to 11pm. The role starts at step 5 with a rate of $28.85 per hour (2025 Rate).

This position focuses on protecting youth welfare, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and community advocacy. It offers the opportunity to contribute to reforms with a national impact and to collaborate with a forward-thinking team committed to equity and safety for young people and families in

Qualifications

• Two years of post high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years experience in the guidance, discipline and supervision of delinquent juveniles.

Responsibilities

• Conducts security checks of the building, inspecting appropriate hallways, doors, windows and recreational areas.
• Identifies residents who indicate self-destructive behavior and provides appropriate intervention.
• Assesses residents' emotional/mental status and makes recommendations regarding the need for further evaluation or attention; investigates and records critical behavioral incidents.
• May defuse possible hostile actions; takes appropriate corrective measures; and controls problem behavior.
• Identifies the need for, plans, implements and supervises various group and recreational activities and programs.
• Assures that the resident's living unit is clean, safe, secure and free of contraband.
• Utilizes skill building techniques in individual or group interaction with resident

Education

Two years post high school education in the social sciences or related field

Job description

This is a Regular 40 hour per week position, swing shift 3pm-11pm with midweek days off. This position starts at step 5, $28.85 per hour (2025 Rate).

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field. It is home to where reform policies, practices, and programs are nationally recognized. Pierce County Juvenile Court was one of two sites in the nation to be selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. 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. Even with the successes in our reform journey, we know that there is more work to do as the structure of our current system is designed to produce disparate outcomes for BIPOC children and families, as well as marginalized communities.

Do you want to be on the front line of change?Of taking our current efforts to the next level, so that young people are prepared for successful transition into adulthood? And advocate within the system for change that impacts individuals while supporting the development of strong communities?

Your passion for leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, providing resources and advocacy to young people and families, will be valued here. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systemscan 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 in 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 to build 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 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 in a persuasive way.
• 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.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Conducts security checks of the building, inspecting appropriate hallways, doors, windows and recreational areas.
• Identifies residents who indicate self-destructive behavior and provides appropriate intervention.
• Assesses residents' emotional/mental status and makes recommendations regarding the need for further evaluation or attention; investigates and records critical behavioral incidents.
• May defuse possible hostile actions; takes appropriate corrective measures; and controls problem behavior.
• Identifies the need for, plans, implements and supervises various group and recreational activities and programs.
• Assures that the resident's living unit is clean, safe, secure and free of contraband.
• Utilizes skill building techniques in individual or group interaction with resident

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed.

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.

Qualifications:

• Completion of two years of post high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline and supervision of delinquent juveniles.
• Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Pierce County welcomes a diverse workforce. Pierce County does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin