JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER - FULL TIME

Kitsap County, WA; Port Orchard (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Kitsap County is actively hiring Juvenile Detention Officers to maintain safety within the juvenile detention facility and to provide guidance, support, and structure for youth in transition. You will help youths develop pro-social skills and adhere to clear boundaries in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities include supervising daily activities, handling routine security checks, logging behavior and admissions, and assisting with documentation for social history and court reports.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required before hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security: oversee pod security, follow protocols, screen visitors.
• Provide guidance and support: encourage youth, build social and behavioral skills.
• Manage youth behavior: apply conflict resolution and administer discipline when needed.
• Facilitate recreational and developmental activities: lead activities that promote development.
• Monitor daily activities: supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, escort as needed.
• Track and record juvenile activities: log admissions, releases, and observations in case systems.
• Respond to emergency situations: act quickly to ensure safety of staff and youth.
• Assist with documentation: gather data for social histories and court reports.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and order: maintain areas, laundry and hygiene tasks.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Boundary setting

Experience working with youth

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ACCESS

JIS/JCS

ODYSSEY

Job description

Kitsap County is seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals to serve as Juvenile Detention Officers within the Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility, a role that is both impactful and deeply meaningful. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the lives of youth by providing structure, accountability, and the life skills necessary to succeed beyond detention.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in helping youth overcome obstacles, reenter their communities successfully, and engage in positive, pro-social behaviors that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. You’ll work directly with youth during a pivotal moment in their lives, using supportive relationships, coaching, and clear boundaries to promote growth, responsibility, and change.

Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, individualized services to youth and their families in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who believe in rehabilitation, value teamwork, and want to advance their career while making a lasting impact on Kitsap County and the youth we serve.

What you bring:

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age.
3. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required before hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working with youth is preferred.
2. Experience in therapeutic detention, residential treatment, or a related field is an advantage.
3. At least one year of college-level coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or social services
4. Familiarity with case management systems like ACCESS, JIS/JCS, and ODYSSEY

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:

1. Strong communication skills with the ability to manage difficult situations and interact positively with youth.
2. Ability to set clear boundaries while providing guidance and support.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Juvenile%20Detention%20Officer.pdf

For more information about Kitsap County Juvenile and Family Court Services: https://www.kitsap.gov/juv/Pages/default.aspx

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will:

• Maintain safety and security: Oversee the security of assigned pods, ensuring safety protocols are followed and visitors are properly screened.
• Provide guidance and support: Offer encouragement and assistance to youth, helping them cultivate appropriate social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills.
• Manage youth behavior: Apply conflict resolution strategies to promote pro-social behavior and administer discipline when necessary.
• Facilitate recreational and developmental activities: Lead activities and games that encourage social development and healthy interaction.
• Monitor daily activities: Supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, and escort youth throughout the facility as needed.
• Track and record juvenile activities: Use case management systems to log admission, release, and behavioral observations.
• Respond to emergency situations: Take immediate action in emergency situations to ensure the safety of staff and youth.
• Assist with documentation: Gather data for social history and court reports to support youth rehabilitation and case management.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and order: Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned areas, and handle necessary laundry and hygiene tasks.

Who May Apply

• This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Juvenile Detention Officer's Guild and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual. Membership in the guild is optional.
• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
  • Criminal Conviction Standards:
    • The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.
• Driving Requirements (If applicable):
  • The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy of a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment.
  • The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.
  • This position is categorized as:
    • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
• Within 30 days of appointment, the successful candidate must:
  • Obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Complete Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens training and receive Hepatitis B vaccine or sign a waiver.
  • Complete a Tuberculosis Test (and yearly thereafter).
• Within twelve months of appointment, the successful candidate must:
  • Complete of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours will vary, depending on assigned shift.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

If you are having technical difficulties, creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or email [e-mail].