Juvenile Detention Officer

Overview

Kitsap County is seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals to serve as Juvenile Detention Officers within the Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility. This role is impactful and meaningful, offering the opportunity to shape the lives of youth by providing structure, accountability, and life skills necessary to succeed beyond detention.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in helping youth overcome obstacles, reenter their communities successfully, and engage in positive, pro-social behaviors that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. You’ll work directly with youth during a pivotal moment in their lives, using supportive relationships, coaching, and clear boundaries to promote growth, responsibility, and change.

Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, individualized services to youth and their families in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who believe in rehabilitation, value teamwork, and want to advance their career while making a lasting impact on Kitsap County and the youth we serve.

• Maintain safety and security
  :
  Oversee the security of assigned pods, ensuring safety protocols are followed and visitors are properly screened.
• Provide guidance and support
  :
  Offer encouragement and assistance to youth, helping them cultivate appropriate social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills.
• Manage youth behavior
  :
  Apply conflict resolution strategies to promote pro-social behavior and administer discipline when necessary.
• Facilitate recreational and developmental activities
  :
  Lead activities and games that encourage social development and healthy interaction.
• Monitor daily activities
  :
  Supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, and escort youth throughout the facility as needed.
• Track and record juvenile activities
  :
  Use case management systems to log admission, release, and behavioral observations.
• Respond to emergency situations
  :
  Take immediate action in emergency situations to ensure the safety of staff and youth.
• Assist with documentation
  :
  Gather data for social history and court reports to support youth rehabilitation and case management.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and order
  :
  Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned areas, and handle necessary laundry and hygiene tasks.

What you bring:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required before hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth is preferred.
• Experience in therapeutic detention, residential treatment, or a related field is an advantage.
• At least one year of college-level coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or social services.
• Familiarity with case management systems like ACCESS, JIS/JCS, and ODYSSEY.

Communication/Interpersonal

Skills:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage difficult situations and interact positively with youth.
• Ability to set clear boundaries while providing guidance and support.

For the complete job description:
Kitsap County may publish a PDF at the following reference and should be consulted for full official details. For more information about Kitsap County Juvenile and Family Court Services, visit the county’s Juvenile page in the public listings.

• This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with the Juvenile Detention Officer’s Guild and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual. Membership in the guild is optional.

• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all…