Juvenile Probation Counselor I

County of Thurston•Tumwater, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Thurston County Juvenile Court is hiring a Juvenile Probation Counselor I in its Civil Probation unit. The position manages a high-volume caseload and supports youth, families, and schools. The counselor helps identify barriers to educational success, explores alternative education options, connects youth and families with services and resources, and supports positive educational outcomes. The role also helps families access services that promote reconciliation, strengthen relationships, and support long-term stability. This position currently has an end date of June 30, 2027, but may be extended if future funding is secured. The position is based in a courthouse in Tumwater, Washington, and involves work in offices, courtrooms, and other building areas. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Home visits are expected, and the role includes daily phone and in-person interactions with county staff and the public. The position is eligible for benefits and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social sciences, corrections, law enforcement, or public administration; additional years of related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Two years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile probation, juvenile parole, or a social work field.
Valid Washington State driver’s license or an appropriate accommodation.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to cope with stressful situations and deal firmly and tactfully with clients.
Ability to defuse potentially volatile situations.
Ability to interact with a variety of agencies, groups, and individuals.
Ability to make presentations to large or small groups.
Ability to modify criminogenic factors of juveniles.
Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques to help youth and families make behavioral changes.
Ability to fairly enforce court orders.
Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
Legal aptitude and proficiency in court preparation and professional court appearances.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
Certification in the Washington State Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA) Assessment Tool.
Valid First Aid and CPR card.
Extensive knowledge of juvenile offender programs.

Responsibilities

Monitor, direct, and counsel juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders, as they complete court-ordered obligations.
Formulate responses to non-compliance, which may include returning a juvenile to court.
Conduct and score risk assessment interviews to assess risk of reoffending and identify risks and needs; complete reassessments as necessary.
Use motivational interviewing to develop case plans that reduce criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors.
Refer eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs.
Coordinate community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol and drug treatment, psychiatric and psychological services, counseling, and treatment programs.
Conduct field supervision, including home, school, and job contacts.
Maintain written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and relevant events for each assigned juvenile.
Prepare legal materials and court reports, and appear in court for assigned cases.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public.
Lead, teach, or facilitate classes and programs for youth or parents.
Transport youth in custody.
Assist local school districts with truancy petitions; coordinate and facilitate community engagement board meetings; supervise truant youth; and refer them to appropriate services.
Assist families with At-Risk Youth and Child in Need of Services petitions; work with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to connect families with relevant services; and guide youth and families through these processes.
Prepare court orders, make recommendations to the Court, and manage courtroom processes for truancy, At-Risk Youth, CHINS, and emancipation cases without an attorney.

Benefits

Retirement plan.
Pre-tax savings accounts.
Comprehensive health care and dental and vision care for employees and their families.
Paid vacation for full-time regular employees.
Paid holidays.
County-paid training and opportunities to attend conferences and participate in professional organizations.
Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
Three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses.
Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for qualifying full-time public service employees.