Juvenile Detention Officer - Swing Shift

Salary: $25.86 - $32.45 Hourly

Location: Tacoma, WA

Job Type: Regular - Other

Job Number: 26-00JM2

Department: Juvenile Court

Division: Juvenile Court

Opening Date: 01/01/2026

Closing Date: 3/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

This is a Regular 40 hour per week position, swing shift 3pm-11pm with midweek days off. The position starts at step 5, $28.85 per hour (2025 Rate).

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.

• We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.
• We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.
• We Maintain a Growth Mindset: Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow.
• We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other in all times.
• We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

Success in this position is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.

• Ability to work in a high conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for young people and families.
• Ability to 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.
• Write and speak in a persuasive way.
• Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma informed and anti‑racist lens.
• Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long‑term success in the field of child welfare.

As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward‑thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in ever‑changing and innovative environments.

This position has opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve.

• Conduct security checks of the building, inspecting appropriate hallways, doors, windows and recreational areas.
• Identify residents who indicate self‑destructive behavior and provide appropriate intervention.
• Assess residents’ emotional/mental status and make recommendations regarding the need for further evaluation or attention; investigate and record critical behavioral incidents.
• May defuse possible hostile actions; take appropriate corrective measures; and control problem behavior.
• Identify the need for, plan, implement and supervise various group and…