Juvenile Detention Officer

Job Summary

Positions of this class are responsible for the supervision and care of juveniles confined in the County Juvenile Detention Center. Incumbents report to a Juvenile Detention Leadworker.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Two years experience in Criminal Justice or closely allied field; or post-secondary education or training in the social or behavioral sciences, or in criminal justice, may be substituted for up to eighteen months of required experience.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, motor vehicle operator's license.

Completion of Corrections Officer Academy (80 hours training and passing of final examination) within one year of employment.

Must be available and willing to work 40-hour, rotation shift coverage for a 24-hour per day, 7-day per week operation.

               

Knowledge of:  Principles of human behavior and juvenile psychology; pertinent laws, codes and regulations; computer skills in word processing, spread sheets and case tracking software; basic self-defense.

Ability to: Learn and comply with policies, regulations and procedures associated with Juvenile Detention; enforce, in a positive manner, facility rules and regulations; exercise good judgment and apply constructive attitudes toward detained individuals; apply effective counseling skills in a crisis situation; understand and exert appropriate force in restraining detainees; maintain sufficient physical fitness to perform duties; communicate clearly, sometime complex, regulatory and procedural information to detainees, their parents or guardians, and members of the general public; communicate orally with youths and adults in a manner that will gain their respect and confidence; learn to operate effectively facility communications systems, computer terminals and security-related equipment; multitask and respond quickly and effectively to multiple sources of information from communication systems; sit for extended periods of time while performing and operative the security system; learn and administer first-aid and CPR; use and maintain cleaning and painting supplies, equipment and materials; establish and maintain effective working relations with Detention Center and law enforcement personnel, detainees and the general public.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Performs intake functions according to established procedures including interviewing, booking and establishing criteria for admittance or release from detention; submits recommendations to Detention Leadworker; contacts parents or guardians of detained juveniles for release on recognizance; contacts probation or parole counselors when appropriate; provides information to incoming juveniles and their families on the procedures and regulations of the facility.

Receives, searches and removes personal property from detained youth; provides clothing and hygiene articles; assigns beds and wards.

Searches and maintains records pertaining to behavior and personal history; files and/or routes forms, records, reports and evaluations; completes and files booking sheets with reports on all detainees' behavior.

Provides for health, safety and recreation needs of juveniles in detention: provides time on a daily basis for personal hygiene; dispenses prescribed medication; provides first-aid when needed; provides laundry service; performs inspections on an hourly basis or according to security check list; checks security of building, doors and windows; maintains security of juveniles while detained; provides positive individual and group supervision of juveniles participating in programming; provides crisis intervention to youth in detention; prepares detainees for school programs by insuring school groups are released according to schedule.

Monitors visiting hours and visitors, insuring authorization of each visitor; checks for signatures on all pertinent documents; searches each detainee after visiting hours are over.

Receives incoming calls on telephone and interoffice communication system; routes calls and routes or handles detainee requests.

Releases juveniles and returns personal property according to court-mandated timeliness and established procedures.

Prepares or assists in preparation of daily evening snacks in accordance with prepared menu; may occasionally prepare meals.

Operate and maintain the security and integrity of the Detention Center via the security system located in Central Control.

Performs janitorial functions related to maintaining cleanliness and physical condition of building, including sweeping, mopping, washing and painting.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

**First Application Review: December 4, 2026.**

Salary Grade

Juvenile Detention.8

Salary Range

$29.69 - $40.08- per hour

Close Date

12/7/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.