Juvenile Detention Officer - Lead

Description

Swing shift (3p-11p).

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. Even with the successes in our reform journey, we know that there is more work to do as the structure of our current system is designed to produce disparate outcomes for BIPOC children and families, as well as marginalized communities.

How To Be Successful In The Role

• Build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Respond to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach.
• Think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own.
• Be culturally humble and responsive.

Strategic Responsibilities And Values

• Adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma informed, and compassionate.
• Maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court.
• 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.
• Instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Performs supervisory functions in the absence of the regular Juvenile Detention Supervisor.
• Explains and interprets policies and procedures to line staff; assigns, directs, and reviews work as needed; and responds to and resolves problem situations.
• Performs lead worker duties and assists Detention Supervisors.
• Provides advice and guidance to line staff.
• Performs special projects and investigates in-house incidents as assigned.
• Provides input regarding performance evaluations.
• Performs the job functions of Juvenile Detention Officers.
• Duties may include, but are not limited to supervising youths in a residential unit, control responsibilities, and supervising, planning, and organizing the involvement of youth in recreational activities.
• Assists in resolving and providing advice regarding the behavioral problems of youth by using problem solving and anger management techniques; ensures proper use of physical restraint; may investigate escapes, injuries, and other incidents, and prepares appropriate written format.
• Provides training to other detention staff.
• Provides ongoing advice and guidance in behavior control techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet the recruiting requirements of the Juvenile Detention Officer 2 classification and have satisfactorily completed the probationary period; or completion of 2 years of post high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field.
• And two years of experience in the guidance, discipline, and supervision of detainees in a correctional setting.
• Must have satisfactorily completed the Training Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Additional Education or Experience

• May substitute for the recruiting requirements.

Special Requirements

• A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
• Physical strength and agility necessary to subdue and restrain physically abusive juveniles is required.
• Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a County approved physical examination is also required.
• Shift work may be required.
• May be required to work overtime.
• On-call responsibility 24 hours per day.
• Must maintain a current phone number or message phone.

Supplemental Information To Be Considered For This Opportunity

PleaseOther Important Information:

• To Be Considered For This Opportunity Please
• Other Important Information:
• 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.
• If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at (253) 798-7480 before the closing date. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.