Temporary Juvenile Detention Officer

We are recruiting for temporary, part-time on-call positions that are expected to work no more than 16 hours per week, depending on a candidate's availability. Temporary, on-call employees will be given first consideration to future full-time Juvenile Detention Officer positions that may become open.

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field. It is home to where reform policies, practices, and programs are nationally recognized. Pierce County Juvenile Court was one of two sites in the nation to be selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community.

Do you want to be on the front line of change?

Your passion for leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, providing resources and advocacy to young people and families, will be valued here. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community.

Our Guiding Principles

• We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.
• We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.
• We Maintain a Growth Mindset: Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit.
• We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace.
• We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Success is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as a priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma-informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.

• Ability to work in a high conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for young people and families.
• Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve.
• Be culturally humble and responsive.
• Write and speak in a persuasive way.
• Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma-informed and anti-racist lens.
• Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long-term success in the field of child welfare.

Your Future in the Role:

As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward-thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in everchanging and innovative environments.

You will have opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty, and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

This is responsible entry-level work in providing custodial supervision, screening, booking, and care for juvenile offenders detained by the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Detention Officers are responsible for the welfare, safety, and security of the residents. They are responsible for assuring that the juveniles are clean, fed, healthy, and safe. They are responsible for defusing, correcting, and controlling acting out behavior; and for identifying potentially self-destructive behavior and intervening once it's identified.

Employees will be trained in skills building techniques which they will be expected to utilize in individual or group interactions with the residents. An employee may be expected to exercise supervision over on-call or volunteer workers assigned to the work shift. Employees in this classification are responsible for the management of residents on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis, including using established guidelines to assess mental or medical issues of youth prior to acceptance. Employees work shifts, with varying days off and are expected to be able to perform the functions and duties of all shifts in all areas of the facility. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor and the general supervision of the Manager of Detention Services.

Strategic Responsibilities and Values:

You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court. You should support the vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths, so that they can reach their full potential.

Qualifications:

• Completion of two years of post-high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years’ experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline, and supervision of delinquent juveniles. Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.

Special Requirements:

• A valid Washington State driver's license is required. Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, testing, background investigations, and polygraph examination. Must maintain a current phone number or message phone.
• Within 60 days of hire must successfully pass Washington state approved CPR course. Within 15 days of hire must complete PPD Tuberculin skin test with appropriate follow-up.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

1. Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: .
2. Attach the following documents to your online application:

• College transcripts or college diploma.
• Other documents which you feel would facilitate this process or assist us in determining your suitability for the position. Examples: job performance evaluations, awards, certificates, decorations, etc.

Other Important Information:

• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any Work Source location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
• This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.
• Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted once an outcome has been reached.
• The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or two entering the required information. It may be helpful to you if you print the announcement, gather the information, then enter the information.
• In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
• As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Pierce County welcomes a diverse workforce. Pierce County does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?