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.

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

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required before hire.

• Experience working with youth is preferred.
• Experience in therapeutic detention, residential treatment, or a related field is an advantage.
• At least one year of college‑level coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or social services.
• Familiarity with case management systems such as ACCESS, JIS/JCS, and ODYSSEY.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage difficult situations and interact positively with youth.
• Ability to set clear boundaries while providing guidance and support.

Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.