Juvenile Detention Officer I

Juvenile Detention Officer I

Salary

$55,104.00 - $64,836.00 Annually

Location

1725 1st Ave., Longview, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-017

Department

Juvenile Detention

Opening Date

08/05/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

1262

• Description
• Benefits

General Position Summary

The Detention Officer I (DO-I) position is responsible for the center's control room which is manned and operated 24 hours daily to monitor and operate security, camera, and communications systems; monitor safety alarms and other mechanical and electrical systems; control lighting in the common areas and temporary living areas; and provide depth to overall facility safety. The primary responsibility of the DO-I is access control: the DO-I is responsible for ensuring only those with proper authority enter or leave the Cowlitz County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC) restricted areas, the facility itself, or the spaces contained therein. Must successfully complete CCJDC Detention Officer training by the end of probationary period.

This position is open until filled.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and/or maintain the control room and visitor logbooks throughout each shift.

• Validate the identification of all authorized guests (e.g., educators, attorneys, counselors, health services personnel, volunteers) prior to facility entry.

• Validating juveniles' identification and reason for admission through the CCJDC main lobby entrance

• Denying facility entry to unauthorized persons and or vehicles: notifying shift supervisor in a timely manner for reasons of denial.

• Directing authorized guests to the assigned spaces within the CCJDC

• Remain vigilant while maintaining direct line of sight and/or remote monitoring of residents, staff members, and authorized guests throughout the facility.

• Monitoring interior/perimeter cameras and intercom systems; responding and/or making notifications to appropriate detention personnel when needed.

• Answering and or routing phone calls, questions from external parties of a general nature (e.g., visitation times and rules, facility entry procedures, directions to the facility).

• Routing questions of a sensitive or confidential nature to the shift supervisor (e.g., resident information, media inquiries).

• Issuing, accounting for and storing CCJDC keys along with charging replacement radio batteries.

• Opening and closing electronically controlled doors while controlling and monitoring all resident, staff, and visitor movement into and out of authorized spaces within the facility.

• Notifying shift supervisor before allowing vehicle entry through vehicle gate

• Initiating and documenting security responses within the CCJDC.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and provide recommendations for overall improvement.

• Attend such training as may be deemed appropriate to maintain or upgrade skills related to the job of Detention Officer.

• Perform other duties as assigned by lead detention officers or by the detention manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess (or attain after employment) and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Pass a full criminal background investigation as required by the Children/Adult Abuse Information Act. Successfully complete and pass a polygraph test and psychological profile.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Have the ability to work all shifts and weekends, dayshift, swing shift, graveyard shift.
• Be 21 years old or older.
• Preferred: Two (2) years of college (equivalent to at least 90 credits) or Associate Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field. (Note: At the discretion of the employer, we may substitute relevant experience and training in lieu of part or the entire educational requirement.)

Required Skills and Abilities

• Possess good interpersonal skills to courteously deal with the public and effectively deal with stressful situations.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and communication lines with department staff, supervisors, other county employees, and other local and state agencies.
• Skillfully collect, and assess information, and make fair judgments.
• Effectively work in a team environment with shift staff to ensure efficiency and collaborate to enhance team effectiveness.
• Effectively organize work and set priorities, pay attention to detail, and take initiative toward effective policies/procedures.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Maintain confidentiality of restricted or private, case and youth information, and effectively handle sensitive matters.
• Indirectly supervise youth with legal and psycho-social problems, avoiding over-reaction to provocation and maintain control in stressful situations.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another persons medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.

Employer Cowlitz County

Address 207 4th Ave. N

Kelso, Washington, 98626

Phone 360-577-3065

Website http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us