Juvenile Parole & Probation Officer

State of Oregon; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Retirement Benefits (PERS/OPSRP)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) seeks multiple Juvenile Parole & Probation Officers in Portland's Washington County Field Office. You will supervise youth, manage individualized case plans, and partner with families and community stakeholders to support successful re-entry into the community.

The role emphasizes cognitive behavioral approaches, collaboration with DOC, and delivering services across residential, home, and foster care settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Behavioral Sciences or related field and two years experience in social services or criminal justice setting.
• Three years of additional experience may substitute for the education requirement.
• Driver License required with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage case plans for youth in OYA custody and community settings.
• Engage youth and families using motivational interviewing and developmental approaches.
• Use reinforcers and positive language to encourage pro-social behavior.
• Serve as primary caseworker for OYA/DOC youth in the JPPO caseload.
• Coordinate with local juvenile departments and partner agencies to support out-of-home placement and re-entry.

Skills

Case planning

Court systems knowledge

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Behavioral Sciences

Three years experience may substitute for education

Tools

Driver License

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/09/2026 Application Deadline: 09/23/2026 Agency: Oregon Youth Authority Salary Range: $5,691 - $8,757 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Juvenile Parole & Probation Officer

Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is seeking multiple Juvenile Parole and Probation Officers (JPPO) to join our Washington County Field Office in Portland. In this critical role, you will provide supervision, case management, and intervention services to youth using a cognitive behavioral model that supports positive behavior change and personal growth. You will partner with youth, families, and community stakeholders to create individualized case plans, monitor court‑ordered conditions, and support successful re‑entry into the community. We are committed to serving diverse communities with respect, equity, and cultural awareness. We welcome candidates with a strong understanding of how lived experiences, language, and cultural identity shape a young person’s development. The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, compassionate, and skilled in case planning, court procedures, assessments, and community collaboration. At OYA, we value diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered. If you are passionate about helping young people build positive, crime‑free futures while contributing to a more just and equitable community, we encourage you to apply and be part of our mission.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Working with local juvenile department staff and partner agencies to serve delinquent youth that require out‑of‑home placement.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques and a developmental approach, when engaging the youth and family.
• Effectively uses reinforcers and incentives to shape pro‑social behavior.
• Seeks out opportunities to praise or affirm positive behavior and attitudes.
• Uses constructive feedback, positive and solution‑focused language to praise and reinforce desirable behavior and attitudes.
• Primary caseworker for all OYA and Department of Corrections (DOC) youth in OYA physical custody once they are assigned to the JPPO’s caseload.
• Has regular in‑person contacts with youth placed in a variety of community settings including residential, home, living independently and in foster care.

Hybrid Work Schedule: This position is primarily field‑based, with approximately 16 hours per week eligible for remote work, depending on business needs. Remote work is evaluated periodically to ensure business needs are being met and can be adjusted at any time. Please visit the state’s Work Reimagined website for more information. Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. For more information on pay equity, click here. The salary range listed is the non‑PERS participating rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details. This position receives annual increases on anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.

What You Need to Qualify as a JPPO (Minimum Qualifications):

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, the Behavioral Sciences or a related degree; and two years experience guiding or counseling troubled, criminal offender or socially maladjusted clients in a social service or criminal justice setting.
• Three years of additional experience may substitute for the education requirement.

Special Qualifications:

• Driver License Required: Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position. We will conduct pre‑employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s).

Desired Attributes:

• Preference given to those candidates that are bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Prior experience with case management support, report/form writing, and written & verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge and experience with court systems, adjudication processes, and related legal procedures.
• Ability to navigate high‑stress, complex, and challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ability to engage with and support diverse youth, families, staff, and community members across community and correctional settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to recognize and address barriers, foster respectful and inclusive interactions, and promote equitable outcomes for youth, families, staff, and community members.

Cover Letter and Resume Required:

Generic cover letters that do not address the qualities that you have under the “desired attributes” section may receive lower scores than those that addressed the desired qualities. The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills and attributes listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

Tentative Interview Schedule:

• First Round (VIDCRUITER): September 30 - October 4, 2026
• Second Round (In‑Person): October 13, 2026

About OYA

The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is a national leader in the juvenile justice field, pioneering the implementation of a positive human development framework for its work with staff and youth, and using data to match the right youth with the right services. We seek to foster cultural competence and pursue equitable solutions to support youth under our care. Our agency mission is to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth accountable and providing opportunities for reformation in safe environments. If you are looking to join a team that values individual and cultural differences and the opportunity to contribute in the success of youth reformation by enriching our workforce with diversity, OYA wants to hear from you! People of color, women and other members of historically underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply! For more information please visit www.oregon.gov/oya.

Our amazing benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low‑cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family.
• Additional benefits include life insurance, short‑and long‑term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Wellness Resources: Support for work‑life balance, health, and overall well‑being.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

Additional Information:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we are here to serve. OYA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be individualized based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The more diverse we are, the better our work will be. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process. For assistance regarding reasonable accommodation or for alternative format please contact OYA Recruitment at 971-345-1236. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Pre‑employment Checks:

• In keeping with our mission, OYA will conduct a criminal record check, per OAR 416 Division 800, a driving record background check and a vulnerable population abuse and neglect check.
• Information obtained about an individual is confidential.
• An individual who refuses to consent to a criminal records/background check shall be disqualified from consideration in the position for which you applied.
• All applicants are subject to additional pre‑employment check(s) such as fingerprint based on criminal records check, pre‑employment drug screening and/or education verification as required for the position.
• In 2003 Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the first federal civil statue focused specifically on addressing sexual violence in juvenile facilities, jails, prisons, and other facilities.
• In recognition of the rights, safety, and well‑being of the youth we serve you will be asked specific questions about your background to ensure our hiring and promotion practices comply with the National PREA standards.
• All positions in OYA will require the incumbent to serve as a “mandatory reporter” of child abuse.

Visa Sponsorship: We do not offer Visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. OYA uses E‑Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Have Questions?: For questions about the job announcement, email [e-mail]

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”