Juvenile Probation Counselor 3 - Probation

Why It's a Great Opportunity: Pierce County Juvenile Court is known across the country for leading the way in youth justice. The policies, practices, and programs we've built are recognized as models for others, and we're proud of the progress we've made. While our reform work has brought positive results, we know more progress is needed. We know the current system doesn't work the same for everyone. Young people and families continue to face challenges that we must address. We are committed to creating a system that supports every young person and family.

If you want to help move this work forward, empowering young people, strengthening families, and support change inside the system and in the community, this role offers that opportunity.

Your compassion, active listening, support, empowerment, and advocacy for young people and families will be valued. We welcome your perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can grow, and together we can make a strong impact in the community.

Why It’s a Great Department:

We Practice Gratitude: We put relationships first and show appreciation for others.

We Value Differences: We respect a wide range of opinions, cultures, and experiences.

We Maintain a Growth Mindset: We focus on effort, perseverance, and helpful feedback.

We Choose Courage Over Comfort: We face challenges and difficult conversations with care and support one another.

We Practice Authenticity: We are genuine, speak truthfully, and seek to understand experiences different from our own.

Learn more About Juvenile Court here.

How to Be Successful in the Role: Pierce County Juvenile Court is strongly committed to the principles of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). This work centers on fair access, strong community partnership, and practices that match the developmental needs of young people. These approaches help reduce the use of detention and improve outcomes for youth and families.

Probation Supervisor will play a key leadership role in advancing these values. This position guides staff in using evidence-based approaches, building collaboration with community partners, and ensuring probation services align with JDAl's core strategies. The work is done in close partnership with Juvenile Court Management team and a dedicated group of judicial officers who operate under case law and statute. As a result, a Probation Supervisor must balance legal requirements with innovation, consistency, and practices that keep young people at the center of decision-making.

You will prioritize the safety and security of youth and staff by using effective behavior-management and de-escalation skills. Responding to situations with awareness of difficult experiences and with compassion will support success in this role. We prioritize protecting young people by prioritizing rehabilitation, accountability and opportunities for young people to grow. You will act with impartiality, integrity, and strong ethical practice. These values help us stay focused on the facts, understand real safety concerns, and avoid decisions influenced by bias or outside pressures. By approaching each situation with honesty, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of every young person, we ensure our recommendations truly support their immediate safety and long-term well-being.

You must be able to work in a high-conflict environment while staying focused on strengths and helping cases move forward. You will think critically challenge assumptions, reduce bias, and advocate based on the needs and values of young people and families. You must be responsive to community needs and communicate persuasively. You will respond to situations with awareness of difficult experiences and with practices that remove obstacles to participation. This work can be emotionally demanding, so maintaining personal wellbeing is important for long-term success in juvenile justice. 

You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, attentive to community needs, and compassionate while supporting the safety and wellbeing of young people under Juvenile Court jurisdiction. You will help advance our vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are encouraged to build on their strengths and reach their potential. You will help instill hope by setting goals, identifying paths forward, and believing in the possibility of change.

Your Future in this Role: As the justice system continues to evolve, we welcome forward-thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive in fast-changing, innovative environments.

This position offers opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training. You will also build connections with partners in child welfare, education, mental health, community supports, substance-use treatment, economic-stability services, and other areas affecting young people and families.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Special Requirements:

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. 

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use Al tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing skills. 

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on Al-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to creating a welcoming environment with broad access to opportunities at every stage of employment. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain a workforce with a wide range of experiences and perspectives, all dedicated to serving our community. County employees make a visible impact across Pierce County. Join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.