Juvenile Detention Officer - Swing Shift

Position Overview

This is a regular 40‑hour per week position, swing shift 3 pm‑11 pm 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 a system that has earned national recognition for its reform policies, practices, and programs. The Court is one of only two sites in the nation selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all community members.

• Practice Gratitude – Put relationships first and show appreciation for others.
• Value Differences – Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.
• Maintain a Growth Mindset – Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical for improvement.
• Choose Courage Over Comfort – Willingness to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace.
• Practice Authenticity – Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

Success is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach, and mentor young people, while maintaining healthy boundaries. You will keep the safety and security of young people and staff as a priority, using successful behavioral management skills and de‑escalation techniques. Responding to situations through a trauma‑informed and compassionate approach is also essential.

• Conduct security checks of the building, inspecting 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 further evaluation or attention; investigate and record critical behavioral incidents.
• Defuse possible hostile actions; take appropriate corrective measures; and control problem behavior.
• Plan, implement, and supervise various group and recreational activities and programs.
• Ensure that the resident's living unit is clean, safe, secure, and free of contraband.
• Utilize skill‑building techniques in individual or group interaction with residents.

You should be adaptable, forward‑thinking, trauma‑informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court. You should support the vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths and reach their full potential. You should instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change.

• Completion of two years of post‑high‑school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years of experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline, and supervision of delinquent juveniles.
• Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.
• 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.
• Critical thinking, challenging assumptions, combating bias, and advocating through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve.
• Cultural humility and responsiveness.
• Clear, persuasive communication skills.
• Competence in responding to situations using a trauma‑informed and anti‑racist lens.
• Self‑care practices to manage secondary trauma and maintain long‑term success.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Pierce County welcomes a diverse workforce. Pierce County does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.