Lead Juvenile Probation & Reform Services

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County Juvenile Court is seeking a Probation Manager to lead staff, implement evidence‑based practices, and collaborate with judicial officers and community partners. This role focuses on fair access, rehabilitation, accountability, and innovative reform aligned with JDAI strategies.

The position requires multi‑team leadership, budget oversight, and strong communication to advance outcomes for youth and families in a high‑conflict environment.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree with course work in corrections, social work, management or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years experience in the juvenile justice field and at least 2 years of which must have been in a supervisory position, in which compensated employees were supervised.
• Additional education in management and supervision is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, administers, and coordinates the activities of department units, develops program objectives and operational goals, updates procedures and existing guidelines as necessary to meet changing conditions.
• Evaluates individual and program accomplishments against established standards, goals, and timetables, and recommends remedial, motivational, or laudatory action as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with the judicial officers assigned to Juvenile Court, advocating for probation’s needs and perspectives while ensuring practices, recommendations, and decisions align with the legal direction and authority of judges and commissioners.
• Manages and provides leadership to multiple teams, including Juvenile Probation Counselors, Case Monitors, the Diversion Coordinator, Extra‑Hire staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring cohesive service delivery and consistent adherence to departmental standards.
• Collaborates closely with Pierce County Juvenile Court—Detention, Dependency, Operations, and the Clerk’s Office to support integrated practices, shared priorities, and effective communication across the organization.
• Plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees; defines responsibility and authority of subordinate positions and establishes standards of performance; recommends merit step increases; recommends promotional actions.
• Recommends resolution of employee grievances at the department level; recommends and executes disciplinary actions.
• Plans and implements in‑service staff education, training and development; provides technical assistance with extremely complex or atypical problems.
• Prepares budget requests and amendments; approves and controls program expenditures in line with assigned budget.
• Communicates program objectives and goals to interested community groups, the general public, and other governmental agencies.
• May serve in place of the Juvenile Court Deputy Court Executive when that person is absent.
• Performs related work as required.
• Willingness to assume statewide leadership role(s) per Deputy Court Executive directives.
• Develops, maintains, and oversees community partnerships.
• Must be able to travel to assigned work locations.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree with course work in corrections, social work, management or a closely related field

Additional education in management and supervision is preferred

Job description

Pierce County Juvenile Court is seeking a Probation Manager to lead staff, implement evidence‑based practices, and collaborate with judicial officers and community partners. This role focuses on fair access, rehabilitation, accountability, and innovative reform aligned with JDAI strategies.

The position requires multi‑team leadership, budget oversight, and strong communication to advance outcomes for youth and families in a high‑conflict environment.