COURT SERVICES OFFICER - JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT SERVICES

Kitsap County, WA

Kitsap County, WA

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Kitsap County, WA
POSTED
16 days ago

Kitsap County is seeking a Court Services Officer to join our Juvenile and Family Court Services Department. This is an essential role that directly supports youth, families, and the safety of our community. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of young people while contributing to the long-term wellbeing of the broader community. Your work will shape case outcomes, support vulnerable youth in crisis, and guide families through some of their most challenging moments.

As a Court Services Officer, you will step into a multifaceted role that blends investigation, case management, court testimony, family engagement, and community collaboration. You’ll serve at the intersection of the justice system, social services, and child welfare, where dedicated professionals can make meaningful contributions to public service, youth development, and restorative justice.

This role offers an outstanding career-building opportunity for individuals ready to deepen their impact in juvenile justice or social service fields. You’ll gain broad exposure to dependency, offender, non-offender, and BECCA matters while working closely with courts, schools, treatment providers, families, and partner agencies. If you’re looking for a meaningful role where your expertise directly strengthens community safety and child wellbeing, this is your next step.

 As a Court Services Officer, you will: 
  • Conduct pre-sentence, background, restitution, and other investigations; prepare pre-sentence, declination, and dispositional reports; and present findings and recommendations to Superior or Juvenile Court.
  • Prepare, file, and distribute motions, declarations, affidavits, court orders, and related court documents, and provide testimony in court for warrants, dependency review hearings, and trials.
  • Interview youth and families to assess community and flight risk, placement options, detention and release considerations, and needed services.
  • Serve as Guardian ad Litem in dependency actions and as custody investigator in family law cases, submitting detailed findings and recommendations to support child welfare and permanency planning.
  • Supervise a caseload of adjudicated youth by monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions, verifying program participation, and completing diversion processes as appropriate.
  • Conduct announced and unannounced home visits, gather evidence when required, complete risk assessments, and develop case plans based on assessment outcomes and program eligibility.
  • Coordinate with the Interstate Compact for home evaluations, supervision of out-of-state youth, and extradition-related paperwork.
  • Prepare and maintain case files, schedule hearings, notify parties, and participate in offender, non-offender, BECCA, and family law matters.
  • Refer youth to appropriate services and treatment programs and support them in meeting probation requirements through ongoing verification and engagement.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships with schools to address attendance, academic performance, and behavioral concerns, working with families to explore solutions.
  • Maintain accurate, detailed documentation and case records throughout all stages of service delivery.

What you bring:
  • Professional and educational qualifications: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social or behavioral science, law enforcement or a closely related field AND four years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile social work, counseling, court services, or probation, including at least one year coordinating and supervising programs for high-risk youth. Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
  • Technical/Industry background: 
    • Experience managing complex caseloads, making critical independent decisions, and guiding youth and families through multifaceted legal and social service systems.
    • Knowledge of juvenile justice processes, dependency systems, risk assessment tools, and court procedures.
    • Experience preparing investigative reports, court documents, and formal recommendations.
  • Specialized Expertise: 
    • Skilled in interviewing, crisis assessment, case planning, and presenting testimony in both juvenile and superior court.
    • Ability to conduct home visits, evaluate living conditions, and assess safety and suitability.
    • Understanding of BECCA laws, diversion processes, and interstate compact procedures.
  • Communication/Interpersonal skills: 
    • Strong communication abilities to interact effectively with youth, families, judges, attorneys, schools, and service providers.
    • Demonstrated ability to build rapport, manage conflict, and maintain professionalism in emotionally charged situations.
    • High attention to detail for documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Additional preferred qualifications: 
    • Experience in juvenile probation, dependency casework, or family law investigations.
    • Familiarity with community resources, treatment programs, and youth behavioral interventions.

For the complete job description: https://test.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Court%20Services%20Officer.pdf 
For more information about Juvenile and Family Court Services: https://www.kitsap.gov/juv/Pages/default.aspx

About the Company

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Kitsap County, WA