Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 – Probation Unit

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

Pierce County Juvenile Court is seeking a Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 to work with young people and families involved in the court system. The department emphasizes race equity and inclusion, positive and trusting relationships, fair access, community partnerships, and developmentally appropriate practices. The role supports youth safety, rehabilitation, accountability, and successful transitions into the community while helping young people build on their strengths and reach their potential. The counselor works directly with youth and families in homes, schools, the community, and court settings. The position requires balancing legal requirements with compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and anti-racist practice. Counselors collaborate with families, service providers, agencies, and other community supports, and participate in court proceedings and youth programming. The work can involve high-conflict situations and secondary trauma; maintaining personal wellbeing and using effective behavior-management and de-escalation skills are important to sustained success. The position offers opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as connections with partners in child welfare, education, mental health, substance-use treatment, community resources, and other areas affecting young people and families.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in social work or a human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field.
One or more years of experience in a related field.
Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.
Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Successful completion of a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam before employment.
Ability to build and sustain positive relationships and maintain healthy boundaries.
Ability to use behavior-management and de-escalation skills and prioritize the safety of young people and staff.
Ability to work in a high-conflict environment while remaining strength-based and helping cases move forward.
Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, address bias, and advocate in accordance with the needs and values of young people and families.
Cultural humility and responsiveness, and ability to communicate persuasively in writing and speech.
Ability to maintain personal wellbeing in emotionally demanding work.

Responsibilities

Meet young people and families in their homes, in the community, at schools, and other settings.
Build relationships with young people and all parties involved in a case.
Gather fact-based information and make informed recommendations to the court.
Write court reports, file and respond to motions, and testify at trials and court hearings.
Advocate outside of court and facilitate relationships to help ensure children’s and families’ needs are met by the system and community.
Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to build networks that support young people and families over the long term.
Facilitate or co-facilitate groups for young people participating in Evidence Based and Positive Youth Development programming.
Keep up to date with trends in child welfare, mental health, substance-use disorder, poverty, racism, and bias.
Develop, facilitate, and participate in training for ongoing education and certification requirements.
Maintain integrity and follow the rules of conduct for Juvenile Probation Counselors and Pierce County employees.
Promote safety and security through effective behavior management and de-escalation techniques.
Coach, teach, and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Use trauma-informed, anti-racist, culturally humble, and strength-based practices when working with youth and families.