Juvenile Court Manager of Probation Services - Dependency

Pierce County Juvenile Court is known across the country for leading the way in youth justice. The policies, practices, and programs we’ve built are recognized as models for others, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. While our reform work has brought positive results, we know more progress is needed. We know the current system doesn’t work the same for everyone.

Young people and families continue to face challenges that we must address. We are committed to creating a system that supports every child and family.

If you want to help move this work forward, empowering young people, strengthening families, and support change inside the system and in the community, this role offers that opportunity.

Your compassion, active listening, support, empowerment, and advocacy for young people and families will be valued. We welcome your perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can grow, and together we can make a strong impact in the community.

Pierce County Juvenile Court is deeply committed to balancing the safety of young people with the potential harm that can come from removing young people from their families. This work centers on protecting young people while strengthening families, minimizing trauma, and recognizing that how the system responds to harm can shape a young person’s life for years to come.

We focus on partnering with extended family, building community support networks, and understanding the complex needs of young people and their families. These approaches help reduce unnecessary family separation and lead to better outcomes for youth and the community.

The Probation Manager for Dependency will play a key leadership role in advancing these values. This position guides staff in using child and family-based approaches, with strong impartiality and ethical conduct, to gather all relevant information and make informed recommendations while ensuring the young people and families’ needs are met and they are centered throughout the legal process. The work is done in close partnership with a dedicated group of judicial officers who operate under case law and statute.

As a result, the Probation Manager for Dependency must balance legal requirements with innovation, consistency, and practices that keep young people at the center of decision-making.

Together, this leader and the court’s judicial and management team will support a system that prioritizes family and community connection, accountability, and opportunities for young people and families to grow.

We prioritize protecting young people by acting with impartiality, integrity, and strong ethical practice. These values help us stay focused on the facts, understand real safety concerns, and avoid decisions influenced by bias or outside pressures. By approaching each situation with honesty, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of every young person, we ensure our recommendations truly support their immediate safety and long-term well-being.

You must be able to work in a high-conflict environment while staying focused on strengths and helping cases move forward. You will think critically, challenge assumptions, reduce bias, and advocate based on the needs and values of young people and families. You must be responsive to community needs and communicate persuasively. You will respond to situations with awareness of difficult experiences and with practices that remove obstacles to participation.

This work can be emotionally demanding, so maintaining personal wellbeing is important for long-term success in child welfare.

We Practice Gratitude:
We put relationships first and show appreciation for others.

We…