Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem

About the role

As a family-centric youth advocate (Guardian ad Litem), you will ensure that young people and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout the court process. You will inform the court and advocate for resources, provide guidance, and champion their best interests in and out of court. You will join an exceptional, values-driven team that is innovative, compassionate, and committed to systemic change.

Watch this short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: Best for Babies Program/Baby Court | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

Responsibilities

Your primary responsibility is to represent the best interests of young people in dependency court as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and make a powerful contribution the safety and well-being of young people and families in our community.

• Ensure every family and young person are well-informed throughout their court interactions and receive the resources and support they need for success.
• Meet with young people and families in their homes, schools, and communities.
• Build relationships with all involved parties.
• Gather fact-based information to make informed recommendations, advocate for the needs of young people and their families and ensure the court has all relevant information needed to make well informed decisions.
• Participate in the court process that includes writing court reports, filing/responding to motions, and testifying in trials and hearings.
• Advocate outside of court to ensure that the system and community are meeting the needs of young people and families.
• Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to create a lasting support network for young people and their families.
• Stay up to date on trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, hope science, motivational interviewing, poverty, racism, and bias, and engage in ongoing training and certification.
• Participate in the Peacemaking Circle process.
• Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and follow the GAL rules of conduct.

Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field
• One or more years’ experience in a related field.
• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment.

Qualifications

We are looking for a critical thinker and strong advocate who: Sees challenges as opportunities and takes pride in proactively making systems work better for families. Builds trust and resolves conflict with families, court partners, and community providers. Brings a compassionate, strength-based, trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally humble approach to challenging bias, advancing equity, and supporting positive outcomes for families. Thrives in navigating complexity, uncertainty, and conflict. Manages high volumes of communication with clarity and persistence. Stays resilient and prioritizes self-care in the face of secondary trauma. Embraces personal growth as essential to supporting others in theirs. Remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a system that is in constant flux.

Skills

This multifaceted role requires both legal advocacy and family engagement to ensure the long-term well-being of the young people and families we serve.

Benefits

This position offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You will gain experience across child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, legal advocacy and community resources. Your work will directly address systemic issues such as poverty, substance use, and inequities—and help shape a justice system that prioritizes healing and humanity.