Juvenile Detention Officer

Juvenile Detention Officer

Kitsap County is seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals to serve as Juvenile Detention Officers within the Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility, a role that is both impactful and deeply meaningful. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the lives of youth by providing structure, accountability, and the life skills necessary to succeed beyond detention.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in helping youth overcome obstacles, reenter their communities successfully, and engage in positive, pro-social behaviors that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. You'll work directly with youth during a pivotal moment in their lives, using supportive relationships, coaching, and clear boundaries to promote growth, responsibility, and change.

Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, individualized services to youth and their families in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who believe in rehabilitation, value teamwork, and want to advance their career while making a lasting impact on Kitsap County and the youth we serve.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will:

• Maintain safety and security:
  Oversee the security of assigned pods, ensuring safety protocols are followed and visitors are properly screened.
• Provide guidance and support:
  Offer encouragement and assistance to youth, helping them cultivate appropriate social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills.
• Manage youth behavior:
  Apply conflict resolution strategies to promote pro-social behavior and administer discipline when necessary.
• Facilitate recreational and developmental activities:
  Lead activities and games that encourage social development and healthy interaction.
• Monitor daily activities:
  Supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, and escort youth throughout the facility as needed.
• Track and record juvenile activities:
  Use case management systems to log admission, release, and behavioral observations.
• Respond to emergency situations:
  Take immediate action in emergency situations to ensure the safety of staff and youth.
• Assist with documentation:
  Gather data for social history and court reports to support youth rehabilitation and case management.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and order:
  Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned areas, and handle necessary laundry and hygiene tasks.

What you bring:

Professional Credentials/Licensing:

Preferred Qualifications:

Communication/Interpersonal

Skills:

This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.

This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Juvenile Detention Officer's Guild and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual Membership in the guild is optional.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Criminal Conviction Standards:
  The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.

The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy of a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.

This position is categorized as:

• Category 1:
  Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Within…