Juvenile Program Specialist Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $30.63 - $38.32 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular - Other
Job Number: 26-00559
Department: Juvenile Court
Division: Juvenile Court
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
This is a 40 hour a week position, swing shift 3pm-11pm with midweek days off.
Rates of pay are for 2025.
Why This is a Great Opportunity:
Pierce County has one of the most forward-thinking social rehabilitation programs in the country. Your passion for supporting, coaching and mentoring young people in the community, along with the skillsets you bring, will be valued here. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community.
Our Guiding Principles
We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.
We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.
We Maintain a Growth Mindset:Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow.
We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other in all times.
We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.
How to be Successful in the Role:
Success in this position is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.
Your Future in the Role:
As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive on working with the next generation. This position has opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as career advancement within Pierce County Juvenile Court.
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for the wellbeing of residents on a 24-hour, 7 days a week basis. This position provides important work in protective supervision, screening, booking, and care for young people during their time at Pierce County Juvenile Court.
• You will oversee the welfare, safety, and security of the residents.
• You will deescalate conflicts and thoughtfully manage behavior of residents.
• You will identify potentially destructive behavior and intervene appropriately.
• You will provide thoughtful supervision, coaching and mentoring while nurturing young people who overcome adversity, work through their feelings, and transition back into the community so they can thrive.
• You will be trained in skill building and behavioral management techniques which you will be expected to utilize in individual or group interactions with young people. This includes using established guidelines to assess mental or medical issues of youth prior to acceptance into the facility.
• You may exercise supervision of an on-call or volunteer workers assigned to the work shift.
• You will work shifts, with varying days off, and are expected to be able to perform the functions and duties of all shifts in all areas of the facility. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor and the general supervision of the Manager of Detention Services.

Strategic Responsibilities and Values:
You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people in the care and custody of Pierce County Juvenile Detention. You should support the vision of a safe, connected community where all young people and families are supported and empowered to build on their strengths, so that they can reach their full potential. QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of two years of post-high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years of experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline, and supervision of young people involved with the court. Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.
• and one year of experience as a Detention Specialist I or comparable position.
• Must satisfactorily complete the Training Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within 12 months of hire.

Special Requirements:

• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Physical strength and agility necessary to subdue and restrain a young person in the event they are an imminent harm to themselves or others. Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a County-approved physical examination may be required.
• Shift work is required. May be required to work overtime.
• Must maintain a current phone number or message phone.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation prior to final selection.
• Within 60 days of hire must successfully pass Washington state approved CPR course.
• Within 15 days of hire must complete PPD Tuberculin skin test with appropriate follow-up.
• Must satisfactorily complete the Training Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

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 , 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. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , 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 Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's 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 website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's 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 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 County's 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 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
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01
MM - Juvenile EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: The following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. It is recommended that you provide specific and detailed answers to these questions. Please note 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 understand that your responses to the supplemental questions for this position must be validated/supported by your general/work history detail?

• Yes
• No

02
SELF EXAMINATION:
The self examination is designed to assist you in determining whether or not to proceed with the application process, as certain types of activities in the past may preclude an individual from employment in positions responsible for the supervision, care, and/or treatment of youth. A "YES" answer to any one of the following questions requires an explanation in the follow up question immediately following. In the event you are selected as a final candidate for the position, answers to the self examination may be subject to verification through a polygraph examination. Do you understand that your answers to the following questions may be subject to verification through polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

03
In your lifetime, have you ever tried marijuana?

• Yes
• No

04
When was the last time you used marijuana? Please provide the date. If you've never used marijuana, type "Never used Marijuana".
05
Have you ever been involved in the sale or traffic of any controlled substance?

• Yes
• No

06
If yes, please provide a detailed explanation to the previous question. If no to previous question, type "N/A".
07
Have you possessed (possession is defined as controlling, holding, touching, selling, trafficking, or transporting any illegal substance) or experimented with any of the following? Select all choices that apply to your history of possession or experience.

• Any other contro