Juvenile Services Support Specialist

Overview

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties in support of a Juvenile Services (Probation) program; provides support services to Probation Officers for the benefit of youth and/or their parents in an office setting, court setting or in the field; and performs related work as required.

This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment for a current full-time vacancy in the Washoe County Juvenile Services department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. For more information on this position, see the Job Specification.

Two years of experience performing a variety of duties in support of a human service or juvenile services function; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human services, criminal justice, social work, or psychology may substitute for the required experience. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

License Or Certificate

A valid Nevada Class C driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification. A CPR/First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogens certificate is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification. May be required to obtain American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED and Blood Borne Pathogens Instructor Certification within six (6) months of appointment and if required, must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

Certification as a qualified user of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Nevada Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) must be obtained within one year of appointment and certification must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Juvenile Services Support Specialist position is a dependable, adaptable professional who is committed to youth safety, accountability, and service within the juvenile justice system. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable working across office, courtroom, field, and transport settings. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience supporting youth and families within a juvenile justice, probation, human services, or related environment, with an understanding of adolescent development, family dynamics, and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, particularly when managing safety, security, and confidentiality in high-stress or unpredictable situations.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with youth, families, Probation Officers, court personnel, law enforcement, and community partners.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when working with resistant, distressed, or hostile individuals, including during crisis situations or transports.
• Organizational and time-management skills to balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team, following established policies while exercising sound judgment in the field.
• Demonstrated reliability and accountability, including adherence to safety protocols, court procedures, and departmental standards.
• Willingness to complete required training and certifications, including Defensive Tactics and criminal justice information systems, and to maintain proficiency over time.

After the interview, top candidates must pass a background investigation which includes:

• Submit a set of fingerprints
• Complete and submit a personal history statement

Must submit to a TB test at own expense upon offer of employment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon…