Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem

Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem

Salary

$38.64 - $48.97 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Regular - Other

Job Number

26-00829

Department

Juvenile Court

Division

Juvenile Court

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Summary

The pay rates displayed are 2025 rates.

Why this is a great opportunity:

As a family-centric youth advocate (Guardian ad Litem), you will ensure that young people and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout the court process. You will inform the court and advocate for resources, provide guidance, and champion their best interests in and out of court.

You will join an exceptional, values-driven team that is innovative, compassionate, and committed to systemic change. Together, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the possibility of transformation-for people, families, and the justice system itself.

Watch this short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: Best for Babies Program/Baby Court | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

How to be successful in the role:

We are looking for a critical thinker and strong advocate who:

• Sees challenges as opportunities and takes pride in proactively making systems work better for families.
• Builds trust and resolves conflict with families, court partners, and community providers.
• Brings a compassionate, strength-based, trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally humble approach to challenging bias, advancing equity, and supporting positive outcomes for families.
• Thrives in navigating complexity, uncertainty, and conflict.
• Manages high volumes of communication with clarity and persistence.
• Stays resilient and prioritizes self-care in the face of secondary trauma.
• Embraces personal growth as essential to supporting others in theirs. Remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a system that is in constant flux.

Your future in the role:

This position offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You will gain experience across child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, legal advocacy and community resources. Your work will directly address systemic issues such as poverty, substance use, and inequities-and help shape a justice system that prioritizes healing and humanity.

Core daily responsibilities:

Your primary responsibility is to represent the best interests of young people in dependency court as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and make a powerful contribution the safety and well-being of young people and families in our community. In this role you will:

• Ensure every family and young person are well-informed throughout their court interactions and receive the resources and support they need for success.
• Meet with young people and families in their homes, schools, and communities. Build relationships with all involved parties.
• Gather fact-based information to make informed recommendations, advocate for the needs of young people and their families and ensure the court has all relevant information needed to make well informed decisions.
• Participate in the court process that includes writing court reports, filing/responding to motions, and testifying in trials and hearings.
• Advocate outside of court to ensure that the system and community are meeting the needs of young people and families.
• Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to create a lasting support network for young people and their families.
• Stay up to date on trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, hope science, motivational interviewing, poverty, racism, and bias, and engage in ongoing training and certification. Participate in the Peacemaking Circle process.
• Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and follow the GAL rules of conduct.

This multifaceted role requires both legal advocacy and family engagement to ensure the long-term well-being of the young people and families we serve.

A classification description with more detail can be found here. The Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 role at PCJC serves multiple functions, with this specific opening in the Dependency department. In this position, you will advocate for young people who are alleged to be abused or neglected, serving as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL). Your responsibilities may also include supervising, recruiting, and training volunteers for the departments volunteer program.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field AND
• One or more years' experience in a related field.
• Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.

Special Requirements:

• A valid Washington State drivers license is required.
• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

1) Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.

2) REQUIRED - Upload a cover letter.

3) Attach the following documents to your online application:

• College transcripts or college diploma
• Other documents which you feel would facilitate this process or assist us in determining your suitability for the position. Examples: job performance evaluations, awards, certificates, decorations, etc.

Other Important Information:

• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any Work Source location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
• Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing
• The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or two entering the required information. It may be helpful to you if you print the announcement, gather the information, then enter the information.
• In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our Leadership Training Program, and a County Book Club.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Our benefits:

Vacation (Annual Leave)

After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.

Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:

Vacation Accruals:

During years 1-3, 12 Days

During years 4-7, 16 Days

During years 8-13, 20 Days

During years 14-18, 23 Days

During years 19, 24 Days

During years 20, 25 Days

During years 21, 26 Days

During years 22, 27 Days

During years 23, 28 Days

During years 24, 29 Days

During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days

A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.

Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.

Military Leave:

Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.

Holidays:

Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:

New Years Day - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jrs birthday - Third Monday in January

Presidents Day - Third Monday in February

Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

Juneteenth - June 19

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - First Monday in September

Veterans Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after

Christmas Day - December 25

Personal Holidays:

Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.

Furlough:

Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.

Sick Leave:

Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.

Insurance Benefits:

Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the Pierce County Health Benefits website.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washingtons Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security:

All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

ORCA Passport Program

Pierce County employees may participate in the Countys ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.

Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Please visit Pierce Countys Benefits website for more information.

Telework/Remote Options:

Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy here.

All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.

01

Introduction to Juvenile Court job specific questions:

Children connected to Juvenile Court may be vulnerable due to their age and life circumstances. It is critical that we ensure their safety and "do no harm." Ultimately, we want all children to live in safe homes and communities where they can thrive. We ask that you answer the questions below honestly so we can all work together to safeguard children in our community. Please be as detailed as possible for questions answered with a "yes." Each response will be considered on a case-by-case basis regarding frequency, type, and the amount of time since the incident(s) occurred. For example, being fired from a job or having an arrest or poor traffic record may not, in and of itself, be grounds for disqualification. However, any deception during the background investigation process will result in automatic disqualification. Candidates who move forward into the latter stages of the hiring process will be subject to a criminal history background check and submit to a polygraph examination. Information you provide in this application will be verified during the polygraph examination and must be consistent. By selecting yes, you are acknowledging this statement.

• Yes
• No

02

Please state your reasons for applying for this position.

03

Do you understand that your answers to the following questions are subject to verification through polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime?

• Yes
• No

05

If yes, please provide detailed information such as type, date, your age at the time, description, jurisdiction, and outcome.

06

Are you currently subject to a pending charge in any jurisdiction?

• Yes
• No

07

If yes, please provide detailed information including nature of charge, date, and jurisdiction. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

08

Have you ever engaged in sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior, including sexual activity with a child/minor or vulnerable person; soliciting prostitution, accessed child pornography, etc.

• Yes
• No

09

If yes, please provide detailed information such as date, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

10

Have you ever been found in any disciplinary board final decision to have sexually abused, exploited, or physically abused any minor?

• Yes
• No

11

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

12

Have you ever physically harmed a child or vulnerable person?

• Yes
• No

13

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

14

Have you ever forced someone to have sexual relations/contact with you?

• Yes
• No

15

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

16

As an adult, have you ever had sexual relations/contact with a person under age 18?

• Yes
• No

17

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, type and nature of the relations/contact. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

18

Have you ever kidnapped someone or held someone against their will?

• Yes
• No

19

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

20

Have you ever been the subject of a restraining or protective order?

• Yes
• No

21

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

22

Have you ever committed a "hate crime"?

• Yes
• No

23

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

24

Have you ever been found in any dependency action under RW 13.34.030(2)(b) to have sexually assaulted, exploited, or physically abused any minor?

• Yes
• No

25

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

26

Have you ever been found by a court in a domestic relation proceeding under Title 26 RCW to have sexually abused, exploited, or physically abused any minor?

• Yes
• No

27

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

28

Have you ever been investigated regarding allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace?

• Yes
• No

29

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

30

Have you ever been involved in a domestic violence incident?

• Yes
• No

31

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

32

Have law enforcement or military authorities ever responded or been summoned to your residence concerning domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

33

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

34

Have you been a party in a Juvenile Court proceeding in any state where findings were made of abandonment, abuse or neglect, or inability to parent a child and/or had parental rights terminated?

• Yes
• No

35

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

36

Please provide your Washington State Drivers License number and expiration date (and the name under which the license was granted if different than name on this application). If you do not have a Washington State Drivers License, please explain.

37

Have you ever been cited for DUI, NVOL, DWLS, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, or Hit and Run?

• Yes
• No

38

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, police agency, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

39

Please list all traffic citations and infractions (exclude parking tickets) you have received in any state, country, or military installation within the past 7 years. Include the following for each citation/infraction: Nature of violation, location (city), approximate date, and indicate the outcome.

40

Has your license ever been suspended, revoked, or placed on negligent operators probation?

• Yes
• No

41

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

42

Effective January 1, 1989, Washington State Law requires all drivers to have auto insurance with liability minimums of $25,000 for the injury or death of one person; $50,000 for two and $10,000 for property damage, or show financial responsibility in one of two ways - a liability bond that meets requirements or by a $60,000 certificate of deposit. Please provide your Auto Insurance Information to include: Company Name, Address, Policy Number, Date of Expiration and indicate if you have a liability bond or a certificate of deposit.

43

In your lifetime, have you ever tried marijuana?

• Yes
• No

44

If yes, please provide the date of last use and your age at that time. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

45

Have you ever been involved in the sale or traffic of any controlled substance or illegal drugs (includes prescription drugs, not prescribed to you?)

• Yes
• No

46

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, type of drug, and description of the events. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

47

Have you possessed (possession is defined as controlling, holding, touching, selling, trafficking, or transporting any illegal substance) or experimented with any of the following, without a prescription?

• Any opiate, heroin, morphine, opium, etc
• Any Hallucinogenic: LSD, PCP, mushrooms, ecstasy, GHB, etc.
• Any Controlled Substances: Speed, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, steroids, etc.
• No, I have not possessed or experimented with any of these

48

For each box checked please provide detailed information such as the date, your age at the time and description of the events.

49

Have you ever used drugs or alcohol before work, at work, during lunch or on breaks?

• Yes
• No

50

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, type of drug, and description of the events.

51

Work Experience and Education Instructions:

Be sure that you provide all jobs in the Work Experience section of the application (including part time, temporary, volunteer positions, and individual military assignments) which you have held in the past 10 years. It is very important that you provide accurate information in a sequential order. Volunteer positions should be included as employment in this section. If you have intervening periods of unemployment, please list those periods as well. You are responsible for obtaining and providing accurate addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (if available). All statements are subject to verification. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your online employment application. The employment history detailed in your employment application must validate/support your response to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next step of the review/selection process. A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the online employment application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" may not be considered. Do you acknowledge this statement?

• Yes
• No

52

If you have no prior employment, please explain. Type "N/A" if you have provided your employment history.

53

While employed, have you ever been terminated, failed the probationary period, or asked to resign?

• Yes
• No

54

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

55

Have you ever applied for employment with this agency or any other law enforcement or corrections agency?

• Yes
• No

56

If yes, please provide dates, agencies you applied to and the outcome. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

57

Have you ever served in the armed forces, National Guard, or military reserves?

• Yes
• No

58

If yes, please provide detailed information, such as the branch, dates of service, and current or ending military rank. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

59

Have you ever been the subject of any judicial or non-judicial disciplinary action while in the military, National Guard, or military reserves?

• Yes
• No

60

If yes, please provide detailed information, such as the branch, dates, details, outcome, etc. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

61

Have you failed to disclose any information that Juvenile Court management will need in order to determine your suitability as a prospective Juvenile Court employee? Please describe.

• Yes
• No

62

If yes, please provide detailed information such as dates, your age at the time, place, details, and findings. If no to previous question, type "N/A".

63

I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application process are true and complete and I understand that any misstatements of material will subject me to disqualification or dismissal. (Type your full legal name and todays date).

Required Question

Employer Pierce County

Address Pierce County Human Resources

1501 Market Street, Suite 410

Tacoma, Washington, 98402

Phone (253) 798-7480

For Sheriffs Office positions: 253-798-6250

Website http://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs