Juvenile Court Manager of Probation Services - Dependency

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The Juvenile Court Manager of Probation Services for Dependency provides leadership for dependency-related probation services at Pierce County Juvenile Court. The role advances child- and family-centered practices that protect young people, strengthen families, minimize trauma, and reduce unnecessary family separation. The manager guides staff in gathering relevant information impartially and ethically, making informed recommendations, and centering young people and families throughout the legal process while working within applicable case law, statutes, and judicial direction. The position oversees multiple teams and coordinates with judicial officers, court departments, government agencies, and community partners. It balances legal requirements with consistent, forward-thinking practices that support family and community connections, accountability, and opportunities for growth. The work calls for sound judgment, ethical conduct, strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to work in a high-conflict and emotionally demanding environment while remaining focused on strengths and the needs of young people and families. The manager plans and coordinates department activities, sets and evaluates program goals, supervises staff, oversees training and budget activity, and communicates with community groups and partner agencies. The position may serve in place of the Juvenile Court Deputy Court Executive when that person is absent and may assume statewide leadership roles as directed. Travel to assigned work locations is required. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with coursework in corrections, social work, management, or a closely related field, and at least five years of experience in child welfare or juvenile justice, including at least two years supervising compensated employees. Additional education and experience may substitute. A valid Washington State driver’s license and successful completion of a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam are required before employment. The employee must complete first-line supervisor and management training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission before completing the first year of service. Additional education in management and supervision is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in corrections, social work, management, or a closely related field; additional education and experience may substitute.
At least five years of experience in child welfare or juvenile justice.
At least two years of supervisory experience supervising compensated employees.
Complete first-line supervisor and management training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission before completion of the first year in service.
Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Successful completion of a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam before employment.
Ability to work in a high-conflict environment while staying focused on strengths and helping cases move forward.
Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, reduce bias, and advocate based on the needs and values of young people and families.
Ability to respond to community needs and communicate persuasively.
Ability to use approaches that recognize difficult experiences and remove obstacles to participation.
Ability to travel to assigned work locations.

Nice To Haves

Additional education in management and supervision.

Responsibilities

Plan, administer, and coordinate department unit activities; develop program objectives and operational goals; and update procedures and guidelines as conditions change.
Evaluate individual and program accomplishments against established standards, goals, and timetables, and recommend remedial, motivational, or laudatory action.
Collaborate with Juvenile Court judicial officers, advocate for dependency needs and perspectives, and ensure practices and recommendations align with judges’ and commissioners’ legal direction and authority.
Lead multiple teams, including Juvenile Probation Counselors, Case Monitors, Guardian ad Litems, Therapeutic Courts, Court Improvement, and Volunteers, supporting cohesive service delivery and adherence to department standards.
Collaborate with Detention, Probation, Operations, and the Clerk’s Office to support integrated practices, shared priorities, and effective communication.
Plan, assign, review, and evaluate subordinate employees’ work; define responsibilities and authority; establish performance standards; and recommend merit step increases and promotions.
Recommend resolutions to employee grievances at the department level and recommend and execute disciplinary actions.
Plan and implement staff education, training, and development, and provide technical assistance for complex or atypical problems.
Prepare budget requests and amendments, and approve and control program expenditures within the assigned budget.
Communicate program objectives and goals to community groups, the public, and other government agencies.
Serve in place of the Juvenile Court Deputy Court Executive when that person is absent, as needed.
Assume statewide leadership roles as directed by the Deputy Court Executive.
Develop, maintain, and oversee community partnerships.
Travel to assigned work locations.
Perform related work as required.