Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 – Probation Unit

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field, recognized nationally for its reform policies, practices, and programs. The court is a partner with the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Probation Transformation and is committed to addressing systemic racism and improving outcomes for all community members, especially BIPOC children, families, and marginalized communities. This role offers the opportunity to be on the front line of change, preparing young people for successful transitions into adulthood and advocating for system-wide improvements. The ideal candidate will be passionate about leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, and advocating for young people and families, bringing a diverse perspective and talents. The court values gratitude, differences, a growth mindset, courage over comfort, and authenticity. Success in this position is measured by the ability to build positive relationships, coach, teach, and mentor young people while maintaining boundaries, prioritizing safety and security through behavioral management and de-escalation techniques. A trauma-informed and compassionate approach, the ability to work in high-conflict environments with a strength-based perspective, critical thinking, challenging assumptions, combating bias, and cultural humility are essential. Responding through a trauma-informed and anti-racist lens is crucial, as is mindfulness and self-care to ensure long-term success in child welfare. The position offers opportunities for professional development, leadership, training, and connections within various fields impacting youth and families.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field
One or more years’ experience in a related field.
A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required before employment.

Nice To Haves

Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.

Responsibilities

Meet young people and families in their homes, in the community, at schools, etc.
Build relationships with young people and all parties involved with a case.
Gather fact-based information to make informed recommendations to the court and ensure the court has all relevant information to make well informed decisions.
Participate in the court process – write court reports, file and respond to motions, testify at trials and court hearings.
Facilitate relationships and advocate outside of court to ensure a child and family’s needs are being met by the system and community.
Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, or other support systems in the lives of the young people served, to form a support network for them and their family for their long-term success.
Facilitate/co-facilitate in teaching groups of young people that are involved in Evidence Based and Positive Youth Development programming.
Stay up to date with current trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorder, poverty, racism, bias, etc.
Develop, facilitate, and participate in training for ongoing educational requirements and ongoing certification.
Maintain the highest integrity and follow the rules of conduct for Juvenile Probation Counselors and Pierce County employees.