JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER - FULL TIME

JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER - FULL TIME

Salary

$29.67 - $37.96 Hourly

Location

Juvenile and Family Court Services, 1338 SW Old Clifton Rd, Port Orchard, WA

Job Type

Full Time (40 hrs/wk)

Department

Juvenile

Opening Date

06/03/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

JVGLD

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County is seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals to serve as Juvenile Detention Officers within the Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility, a role that is both impactful and deeply meaningful. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the lives of youth by providing structure, accountability, and the life skills necessary to succeed beyond detention.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in helping youth overcome obstacles, reenter their communities successfully, and engage in positive, pro-social behaviors that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. You'll work directly with youth during a pivotal moment in their lives, using supportive relationships, coaching, and clear boundaries to promote growth, responsibility, and change.

Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, individualized services to youth and their families in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who believe in rehabilitation, value teamwork, and want to advance their career while making a lasting impact on Kitsap County and the youth we serve.

As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will:

• Maintain safety and security: Oversee the security of assigned pods, ensuring safety protocols are followed and visitors are properly screened.
• Provide guidance and support: Offer encouragement and assistance to youth, helping them cultivate appropriate social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills.
• Manage youth behavior: Apply conflict resolution strategies to promote pro-social behavior and administer discipline when necessary.
• Facilitate recreational and developmental activities: Lead activities and games that encourage social development and healthy interaction.
• Monitor daily activities: Supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, and escort youth throughout the facility as needed.
• Track and record juvenile activities: Use case management systems to log admission, release, and behavioral observations.
• Respond to emergency situations: Take immediate action in emergency situations to ensure the safety of staff and youth.
• Assist with documentation: Gather data for social history and court reports to support youth rehabilitation and case management.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and order: Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned areas, and handle necessary laundry and hygiene tasks.

What you bring:

Professional Credentials/Licensing:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License is required before hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth is preferred.
• Experience in therapeutic detention, residential treatment, or a related field is an advantage.
• At least one year of college-level coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or social services
• Familiarity with case management systems like ACCESS, JIS/JCS, and ODYSSEY

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage difficult situations and interact positively with youth.
• Ability to set clear boundaries while providing guidance and support.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Juvenile%20Detention%20Officer.pdf

For more information about Kitsap County Juvenile and Family Court Services: https://www.kitsap.gov/juv/Pages/default.aspx

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.

• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Juvenile Detention Officers Guild and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual Membership in the guild is optional.

• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.

• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.

• Criminal Conviction Standards:

• The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.

• Driving Requirements (If applicable) The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy of a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:

• Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

• Within 30 days of appointment, the successful candidate must:

• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification

• Complete Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens training and receive Hepatitis B vaccine or sign a waiver.

• Complete a Tuberculosis Test (and yearly thereafter).

• Within twelve months of appointment, the successful candidate must:

• Complete of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy

• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.

• Work hours will vary, depending on assigned shift.

• This posting may be used to fill future openings.

• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

If you are having technical difficulties, creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 525-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:

Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)

Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette

Vision - VSP

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)

Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability

Voya Voluntary Insurance

Transportation incentives

Employee Assistance Program

Travel Assistance Program

Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx

Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employees hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the countys website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide.

• Voluntary benefit options also available at the employees expense

Retirement:

Employees are covered under the PSERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays

11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave

New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)

Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)

Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)

Sick Leave

All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

• Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated*

Current County Employees

If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditors Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership

This position is covered under Juvenile Detention Officers Guild collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

01

(REQ-1) I certify that I have read the complete job classification for this position and I am able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• YES
• NO

02

(REQ-2) I understand that all related experience must be listed under the Work Experience section of this application and that it must include a detailed explanation of my roles and responsibilities at each relevant employer. I also understand that resumes are not rated or reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications and that an incomplete application or lack of details will disqualify my application. (Please note: The quality and completeness of the application will be considered in determining whether applicants will move to the next phase of the screening.)

• YES
• NO

03

Do you have experience working with at risk youth in a therapeutic or social services environment?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your experience working with youth.

05

Driving Standard: This position will be operating a county owned vehicle. Successful candidates must meet this driving standard to be considered for this position. The standard for operating a county owned vehicle is as follows: • The applicant MUST be 18 years of age and has their drivers license for at least one year. • The applicants license must be in good standing. (It cannot be suspended or contain restrictions that prohibit or impact the legal ability to operate vehicles or revoked once (or more) in the last three years.) • The applicants drivers record in the last three (3) years is clear from the following types of violations: o Reckless driving or similar offense o DUI conviction involving use of alcohol or drugs o Hit-an-run offense involving bodily injury or reportable damage o At-Fault collision (Two or more; or any at-fault collision resulting in a fatality) o All other traffic offenses (except parking violations) three (3) or more (or more than one in last 12 months) Please note: Any major traffic violations not listed in the above will be addressed on a case by case basis and could be a disqualifying factor for driving vehicles on County business

• Yes, I meet this standard and have a clear driving record.
• No, I do not meet this standard. (If your answer is no, you do not qualify for this position)

06

Employees in this department are considered essential employees and are expected to report to duty on time and remain at work until the end of the scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• YES
• NO

07

(JDO-A) Detention work is personal service of the highest order, requiring sterling qualities in those individuals who are employed in this career field. Few professions require individuals with such impeccable background or character. Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Officers are sometimes compelled to make instantaneous decisions without assistance or supervision. Mistakes in judgment could cause irreparable harm to detainees and other detention workers and could subject Kitsap County to liability. Detention workers need sound character, honesty, integrity, intelligence, tact, good judgment, physical courage, verbal communication skills, emotional stability, impartiality, understanding and sensitivity. Do you feel you are willing and able to perform this work?

• Yes
• No

08

(JDO-B) Are you willing to work in the high-stress environment of a detention facility and accept that you will not be permitted to leave the facility during your shift, except as directed?

• Yes
• No

09

(JDO-C) Are you willing to work in a disciplined law enforcement environment, take instructions and follow or abide by Kitsap county Detention Center policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and carry out orders even if you do not agree with them?

• Yes
• No

10

(JDO-E) Volatile situations may occur that require the physical restraint of youth in the facility. Are you willing to participate in training in order to learn and develop the techniques and skills required of a detention officer, including the proper use of restraining devices and emergency equipment? In addition, would you be willing and able to deal with violence, break up fights, and assist in controlling disturbances?

• Yes
• No

11

(JDO-F) Would you be able to withstand detainee harassment or verbal abuse, and not allow the harassment or abuse to affect your judgment?

• Yes
• No

12

(JDO-G) Would you be willing to conduct a thorough body search of detainees for contraband and illegal weapons?

• Yes
• No

13

(JDO-H) Are you willing and able to write detainee incident, investigation reports, and give testimony in court?

• Yes
• No

14

(JDO-I) Is your record clear of adult felony convictions or a pattern of adult misdemeanor convictions?

• Yes
• No

15

(JDO-L) Are you willing to work weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

16

(JDO-M) Are you willing to accept shift work, which includes day, swing and graveyard shifts?

• Yes
• No

17

(JDO-P) Do you agree to attain First Aid & CPR certification within 30 days of employment and to keep that certification current?

• Yes
• No

18

(JDO-Q) Are you willing to receive an annual TB (tuberculosis) test?

• Yes
• No

19

(JDO-R) Are you willing to receive a Hepatitis B vaccine or sign a waiver?

• Yes
• No

20

(JDO-S) Are you willing to exercise safe biohazard and blood borne pathogen prevention methods?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Kitsap County

Address 614 Division St, MS#23A

Port Orchard, Washington, 98366

Phone 360.337.7185

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kitsap