Juvenile Group Worker, Senior

Lane County Government; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County Youth Services seeks experienced Senior Juvenile Group Workers for the Detention Unit. You will provide advanced supervision, guidance, and behavioral support to youth in custody while helping coordinate daily facility operations, leading shifts, and mentoring staff.

This role requires strong judgment, excellent communication, and a calm, collaborative approach to trauma-informed care in a 24/7, 42-bed detention setting serving youth ages 12–19.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as child and family studies, psychology, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, sociology, rehabilitation, social work, or a related field.
• Two years of professional experience working with youth in a residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and mentor staff to ensure safe, structured care.
• Provide advanced supervision and behavioral support to youth in custody.
• Coordinate daily facility operations and respond to crisis situations.
• Balance safety, accountability, and trauma-informed care in all actions.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Leadership

Crisis response

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

About the PositionLane 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.

DescriptionAbout the PositionLane 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. If you're passionate about youth development and ready to take on greater responsibility within a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply.About The DivisionLane 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*QualificationsTraining:

• 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 RequirementsEffective 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.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.CLASSIFICATION DETAILSJuvenile Group Worker - SeniorSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONSelection ProcessEqual Employment OpportunityLane 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 PlanIn 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.Veteran Preference InformationTrauma Informed Care StatementTrauma-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.Careers With Lane County Offer Extraordinary BenefitsAt Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.Collective Bargaining UnitsAdmin-Pro AFSCME AFSCME Nurses AFSCME Physicians FOPPO LCPOA Local 626 Prosecuting Attorney's
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee. Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County Offers Medical, Prescription And Vision Exam Coverage For You And Your Eligible Dependents. The Plan Options And Costs Per Month For 2026 Are Outlined Below. If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage. For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027. These amounts are prorated based on date of hire. All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.Wellness Clinic- The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more. Dental- Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households. Fitness Center Membership- Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.Benefits to keep you & your family well - FinanciallyRetirement- Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. Disability- Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations. Time Management- Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days. Holidays- Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Year's Day Independence Day Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day Presidents' Day Veterans' Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Life Insurance- Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance. County-paid Training & Development to keep your career wellOn-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills. Online Training- Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills. Conferences & Seminars- Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.Lane County Offers These Other Valuable BenefitsDeferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement. Vision- Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance. Supplemental Life Insurance- Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse. Aflac- Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac. Group Discounts- Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership. Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern. For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at [phone]. 01 IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.

• I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.

02 Please answer YES if you meet one of the following criteria: a. You have a valid Oregon Driver's License. b. You have a valid driver's license from another state AND are able to obtain an Oregon Driver's License by the time of appointment.

• Yes
• No

03 Are you currently receiving PERS retiree benefits?

• Yes
• No

04 Have you engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997)?

• No
• Yes

05 Have you been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?

• No
• Yes

06 Have you been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?

• No
• Yes

07 What is your highest level of education?

• High School diploma or equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
• Associate's degree.
• Two-years of technical certificate or coursework.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Master's or higher degree.

08 How many year of responsible professional experience do you have working with youth in a residential setting?

• No experiences.
• At least 1 year, less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years, less than 5 years.
• At least 5 years, less than 6 years.
• At least 6 or more years.

09 Do you currently possess a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) certification?

• Yes
• No

10 Describe a time when you took a leadership role during a shift or helped a coworker improve their performance. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome? (25 points) 11 Describe a challenging situation involving a youth who was experiencing a behavioral crisis or presenting a safety concern. How did you assess the situation, what actions did you take, and how did you balance safety with the youth's individual needs? (25 points) 12 Tell us about a time when you observed a coworker making a decision or taking an action that you believed was inconsistent with established procedures or expectations. How did you address the situation, and what was the outcome? (25 points) 13 Senior Juvenile Group Workers must balance daily facility operations, staff needs, and the safety and well-being of youth. Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities or unexpected challenges during a shift. How did you determine what needed immediate attention, coordinate with others, and ensure responsibilities were completed? (25 points)

• Required Question