Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor ; JRC- Lakewood

Overview

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 2 (JRC2) —
Location: Lakewood, WA —
Closes: Thursday, February 12, 2026 —
Salary: $60,132.00 - $80,820.00 Yearly. This salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 2 to join our team to assist youth successfully transition back into the community by providing individual treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills acquisition and generalization, a variety of educational, vocational, and employment opportunities, and support for family reintegration.

The DCYF invites you to learn more about the agency as you apply.

• Provide comprehensive case management, transition planning and counseling, and treatment referral services for an assigned caseload of young adults committed to Juvenile Rehabilitation by the courts.
• Work with families, community resources, and other natural supports to help youth successfully transition back into the community.
• Identify areas of growth with residents, including independent living skills, education, career, and personal goals.
• Supervise and participate in various groups and activities and prepare youth and their families for the transition back to the community.
• Perform routine security duties and supervise meals for resident groups as needed.
• Monitor movement of residents within the facility and in the community.
• Supervise and assign chores within living units to meet health and hygiene standards.
• Transport residents to and from work, school, and appointments.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, totaling five years. OR one year as a Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor Assistant (JRCA) or Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (JRC1). OR a Bachelor’s degree, AND one year of professional experience working with at-risk or justice system-involved youth as a case manager, counselor, probation officer, parole officer, or related social service capacity planning directing, supervising, or facilitating interventions with at-risk juvenile justice system youth or related field.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Note:

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Social Sciences, or in an allied field will substitute for the one year of experience.

Note:

A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Effective in communicating verbally and in writing with management, co-workers, clients, and community stakeholders as required to support successful transition/reentry of youth back to their families and communities.
• Provide direct care to youth in a community environment.
• Monitor and manage youth in a non-secure residential setting in the community.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships in the community that support successful transition/reentry of youth.
• Understanding of adolescent development and juvenile rehabilitation practices and principles.
• Experience providing cognitive/behavioral therapeutic interventions.
• Competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends, and influences related to juvenile delinquency.
• Ability to use de-escalation techniques approved for intervention by JR with verbally and/or physically aggressive youth.

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

The DCYF is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the…