Probation Counselor 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County Juvenile Court seeks a qualified candidate for probation counseling and casework duties. On-the-job training is provided; work is performed under supervision and may require handling dispositions and preparing case histories.

The role involves assessing youth risk, coordinating with families, schools, and prosecutors, and presenting findings to the Court with independence as experience grows.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the dependency field and criminal justice system as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of probation philosophy, methods and practices as it relates to youth.
• Knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of report writing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Receives and examines referrals to the Juvenile Court for filing considerations.
• Makes recommendations to the court regarding detention or shelter care.
• Monitors youth in the community directly with GPS tracking and indirectly through families, schools, job sites, etc.

Skills

Knowledge of dependency field

Counseling skills

Investigation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

Job Details

Employee Type: Regular

Department: Juvenile

Salary: $56,199.00 - $78,292.50 Annually / $4,683.25 - $6,524.38 Monthly / $28.82 - $40.15 Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Overtime Eligible: Yes

Job Posting Date Range: 09/03/2026 - Until Filled

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS

SPOKANE COUNTY JUVENILE COURT DEAR APPLICANT: Thank you for considering the Spokane County Juvenile Court as a potential employer. Juvenile Court employees are directly responsible for the supervision and/or care of youth under the age of eighteen. As such, applicants undergo an extensive application and selection process as well as a thorough background investigation. The effectiveness of the Juvenile Court is directly related to the quality of personnel employed by the Court and the level of public trust in those personnel. As a result, the following extensive application process is designed to elicit information to assist us in determining your character, suitability, and competence for the position for which you have applied. Failure to complete the entire application, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will result in your removal from consideration. In addition, the background investigation may include, but is not limited to: an interview(s); employer reference checks; polygraph test; criminal and driving records. Failure of any portion of the background investigation will be "cause" for removal from consideration. Upon completion of the background investigation, each candidate's suitability is reviewed by Juvenile Court Administration. The polygraph test is conducted using the information you have submitted and the Integrity Standards for Juvenile Court.

Job Summary

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. First consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 492-J Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications the first 5 working days of the recruitment. Second consideration given to all other applicants, including the public.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The position allocated to this class perform investigative, counseling or casework duties. Initially, employees are provided on-the-job training on court procedures, department procedures and the law, and are assigned to work under the guidance of a higher level Probation Counselor or Supervisor. Duties include developing and presenting case histories and making recommendations to the Court regarding dependent, delinquent or at-risk youth; and overseeing and counseling youth on probation or in a confinement setting. As experience is gained, the work is performed with considerable professional independence. Cases are assigned by a Supervisor.

Job Description

The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Receives and examines referrals to the Juvenile Court for the purpose of considering the filing of a petition or information pursuant to RCW chapter 13.32A, 13.34, or 13.40.070. Makes recommendations to the court regarding the need for continued detention or shelter care of a child. Monitors youth in the community directly with GPS tracking and indirectly through families, schools, job sites, etc. Arranges and supervises diversion agreements as provided in RCW 13.40.080 and ensures the requirements of such agreements are met. Prepares predisposition studies as required in RCW 13.34.120 and 13.40.130 and is present at the disposition hearing to respond to questions regarding the predisposition study. Supervises court orders of dispositions to ensure all requirements of the order are met. Gathers information to assess a youth's risk to community safety, themselves, and their possibility of being a flight risk. Administers behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse counseling. Evaluates options for release, detention, or detention with electronic monitoring authorized, and represents probation in delivering recommendations to the Court, after collaborating with co-workers, public defenders, and prosecutors. Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Experience in work such as casework, parole, probation, counseling, youth and group work, or detention. Counselor Agency Affiliated Registration at time of hire and maintained throughout employment with Juvenile Court. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or have the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County. Applicants selected must successfully pass a criminal background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the dependency field and criminal justice system as it relates to youth. Knowledge of individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field as it relates to youth. Knowledge of probation philosophy, methods and practices as it relates to youth. Knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques and methods. Knowledge of report writing techniques. Knowledge of the literature, development, and trends in the field of juvenile probation. Skilled in basic computer word processing and data entry. Skilled in counseling delinquent, dependent or at-risk youth and their families. Skilled in understanding, interpreting and applying complex statutes, court regulations and rules. Skilled in expressing ideas and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to conduct thorough investigations in an impartial manner and to prepare detailed case histories and reports. Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds. Ability to convey a professional image via attire and demeanor. Ability to consistently make effective decisions. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, community and social agencies, and the general public.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions: Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner. Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviours and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards. Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

Testing Requirements

Background Check, Polygraph, Medical

Total Compensation

$71,935 - $100,214 Annually Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Benefits

Here are just a few reasons: Community Impact: Many people find fulfillment in public service, knowing their work has a positive impact on the lives of Spokane County residents. Whether through public safety, infrastructure projects, or social services, employees can make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while contributing to the overall well‑being and development of the community. Diverse Job Opportunities: Spokane County employs a diverse workforce, offering positions in fields such as law enforcement, social services, animal control, parks and recreation, administration, and more. This diversity allows for many employment opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets. Job Stability and Benefits: Spokane County offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including healthcare, vacation time, and retirement and pension plans that provide long‑term financial security for employees. Career Growth: There are various opportunities for career advancement within Spokane County. We invest in employee training and professional development, enhancing employees' skills and qualifications. Work-Life Balance: We emphasize work-life balance, with reasonable work hours and policies that support employee well‑being. Inclusive Workplace Culture: Spokane County aims to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees.

Spokane Overview

Natural Beauty: Spokane is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rivers, lakes, and nearby mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. From golf course to parks and trails along the Spokane River, there's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Affordable Living: Compared to many other cities on the West Coast, Spokane has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices are more affordable, making it easier to buy a home or rent. Four Seasons: Spokane experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring snowfall, making it ideal for those who enjoy seasonal variety. Cultural Scene: The city has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Events such as the Spokane Symphony and First Friday art walks contribute to the city's cultural richness. Community Feel: Spokane is known for its friendly and welcoming community. It has a strong sense of local pride and community involvement. Educational Opportunities: The city is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational and cultural opportunities. This includes Gonzaga University, Washington State University Spokane, Whitworth University, and Eastern Washington University. Healthcare Facilities: Spokane boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Family-Friendly: With good schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous family‑oriented activities, Spokane is a great place to raise a family. Central Location: Spokane's location in eastern Washington makes it a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. It's close to other major cities like Seattle and Portland, as well as outdoor destinations like national parks and recreation areas. Overall, Spokane offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural amenities, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live and work!