Juvenile Detention Officer - Temporary

Pierce County, WA•Tacoma, WA

64d

About The Position

We are recruiting for temporary, part time on-call positions that are expected to work no more than 16 hours per week, depending on a candidate's availability. Temporary, on-call employees will be given first consideration to future full-time Juvenile Detention Officer positions that may become open. Position Summary Why This is a Great Opportunity: Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field. It is home to where reform policies, practices, and programs are nationally recognized. Pierce County Juvenile Court was one of two sites in the nation to be selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community. Even with the successes in our reform journey, we know that there is more work to do as the structure of our current system is designed to produce disparate outcomes for BIPOC children and families, as well as marginalized communities. Do you want to be on the front line of change? Of taking our current efforts to the next level, so that young people are prepared for successful transition into adulthood. And advocate within the system for change that impacts individuals while supporting the development of strong communities? Your passion for leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, providing resources and advocacy to young people and families, will be valued here. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community. Our Guiding Principles We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness. We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences. We Maintain a Growth Mindset: Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow. We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other in all times. We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own. How to be Successful in the Role: Success is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role. 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. Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own. Be culturally humble and responsive. Write and speak in a persuasive way. Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma informed and anti-racist lens. Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long term success in the field of child welfare. Your Future in the Role: As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in everchanging and innovative environments. You will have opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve. Click here to watch a short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: https://youtu.be/E-YZEVzoeM8 Core Daily Responsibilities: This is responsible entry level work in providing custodial supervision, screening, booking, and care for juvenile offenders detained by the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Detention Officers are responsible for the welfare, safety and security of the residents. They are responsible for assuring that the juveniles are clean, fed, healthy and safe. They are responsible for defusing, correcting, and controlling acting out behavior; and for identifying potentially self-destructive behavior and intervening once it's identified. Employees will be trained in skills building techniques which they will be expected to utilize in individual or group interactions with the residents. An employee may be expected to exercise supervision over on call or volunteer workers assigned to the work shift. Employees in this classification are responsible for the management of residents on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis, including using established guidelines to assess mental or medical issues of youth prior to acceptance. Employees work shifts, with varying days off and are expected to be able to perform the functions and duties of all shifts in all areas of the facility. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor and the general supervision of the Manager of Detention Services. This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed. To view the complete classification, click here. Strategic Responsibilities and Values: 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, so that they can reach their full potential. You should instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change.

Requirements

Completion of two years of post-high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years' experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline and supervision of delinquent juveniles. Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.
A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, testing, background investigations and polygraph examination.
Must maintain a current phone number or message phone.
Within 60 days of hire must successfully pass Washington state approved CPR course.
Within 15 days of hire must complete PPD Tuberculin skin test with appropriate follow-up.

Responsibilities

providing custodial supervision, screening, booking, and care for juvenile offenders detained by the Pierce County Juvenile Court
responsible for the welfare, safety and security of the residents
assuring that the juveniles are clean, fed, healthy and safe
defusing, correcting, and controlling acting out behavior
identifying potentially self-destructive behavior and intervening once it's identified
utilize skills building techniques in individual or group interactions with the residents
exercise supervision over on call or volunteer workers assigned to the work shift
responsible for the management of residents on a 24-hour, 7 day a week basis, including using established guidelines to assess mental or medical issues of youth prior to acceptance
perform the functions and duties of all shifts in all areas of the facility