Juvenile Group Worker, Senior

Lane County; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County Youth Services is recruiting Senior Juvenile Group Workers for the Detention Unit to provide advanced supervision and behavioral support to justice-involved youth. You will lead shifts, mentor staff, and coordinate daily operations in a 42-bed, 24/7 facility serving youths aged 12–19.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care and calm, compassionate leadership while ensuring safety and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field such as child and family studies, psychology, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, sociology, rehabilitation, social work, or related field.
• Two years of professional experience working with youth in a residential setting.
• QMHA certification required by July 1, 2025 for new employees.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced supervision, guidance, and behavioral support to youth in custody.
• Lead shifts, mentor staff, and coordinate daily facility operations.
• Respond to crisis situations while balancing safety, accountability, and trauma-informed care.

Skills

Youth supervision

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

QMHA certification

Job description

About the Position

Lane County Youth Services is seeking experienced, team-focused professionals to join our Detention Unit as Senior Juvenile Group Workers. These positions offer an opportunity to take a leadership role in supporting staff, maintaining a safe and structured environment, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of justice-involved youth.

Senior Juvenile Group Workers provide advanced supervision, guidance, and behavioral support to youth in custody while helping coordinate daily facility operations. Responsibilities include leading shifts, mentoring staff, supporting youth development, managing challenging behaviors, and responding to crisis situations. This position requires sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to balance safety, accountability, and trauma-informed care.

Our 42-bed Detention Unit operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving youth ages 12-19. The facility provides education, recreation, behavioral support, counseling coordination, and structured daily programming designed to promote stability, personal growth, and positive decision-making.

We're looking for professionals who lead by example, remain calm under pressure, build positive relationships, and bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to their work.

About the Division

Lane County Youth Services (YS) provides assessment, probation, training, counseling, and detention services for all youth, ages 12-17 years old, referred by local law enforcement because of criminal behavior.

Schedule

Sunday - Wednesday 3:00pm - 1:00am OR Wednesday - Saturday 3:00pm - 1:00am.

*This is an LCPOA represented position*

Training

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in child and family studies, psychology, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, sociology, rehabilitation, social work, or a related field.

Experience

• Two years of responsible professional experience working with youth in a residential setting.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Licensing Requirements

Effective July 1, 2025 new employees to the classification must possess a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) certification.

Notes

• This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

• Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Trauma-informed care is an approach used to engage people with histories of trauma. It recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people’s lives. Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals.

Lane County is committed to providing services using Trauma Informed Care practices. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently, or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.