Juvenile Detention Officer

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Coupeville Campus, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-073
Department: Superior Court
Opening Date: 03/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 4:30 PM Pacific


Summary


Employee is responsible for the supervision and care of juveniles detained in the Island County Detention Center. The employee functions under minimal supervision and maintains a safe and secure work environment for detainees and other detention officers. Follows the established guidelines and procedures, and document daily activities/movements.


Upon job offer, applicant must be able to pass a background check, physical examination, polygraph examination, drug test and a psychological evaluation. Background checks through NCIC and is subject to annual review.


Salary within range is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Hourly pay:

JDO1: $28.84 - $31.06
JDO2: $31.47 - $33.89

Job Duties

• Perform intake functions according to established procedures including interviewing, booking and establishing criteria for admittance or release from detention and submit recommendations to Detention supervisor; during the intake procedure, provide information regarding the rules and regulations of the detention facility.
• Maintain visual supervision of youth in an assigned residential unit/functional area, with attention to their physical whereabouts, health and emotional moods.
• Operate electronic audio/video surveillance equipment and other life support/security systems.
• Contact parents or legal guardians of detained juveniles for release on recognizance; contact probation or parole counselor and attorneys and law enforcement professionals when appropriate.
• Crisis counseling, along with counseling juveniles in connection with their conduct, attitudes and relationships with each other.
• Actively engage with youth to contribute to positive behavior change through mentoring and instructing both life skills and social skill lessons.
• Assist with visitation procedures as needed and process the release of juveniles.
• Prepare detailed incident reports and submit them to the supervisor on a daily basis.
• Guide, direct, supervise and train juveniles in indoor activities and games. Must be able to lead groups and participate in physical activities via athletic and recreational with juveniles. At times guide juveniles in arts and crafts sessions. Monitor closely the behaviors and attitudes of detainees.
• Meet the general needs of the juvenile, such as health and physical needs and prepare and assist juveniles in personal grooming on a daily basis. Personal needs must be met by Juvenile Detention Officer of the same sex.
• Must be alert for and protect against escape, illness, sexual activities and physical abuse on a daily basis.
• Must be able to communicate with fellow Juvenile Detention officers and/or intake officers, on a daily basis.
• Fill out daily observation charts, checks lists, room checks lists, and other forms as required; and supervise cleanup details, on a daily basis.
• Use appropriate physical force and restraint techniques to subdue and restrain detainees and perform interventions as required; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive tactics and physical agility.
• Operate motor vehicles to escort and transport juvenile detainees to other facilities or institutions as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with tools, instruments, equipment and techniques commonly used in the performance of related tasks.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness and efficiency in the preparation of reports and information.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, relate to various personality styles in a professional manner.
• Effectively communicate with others for purposes of gathering and providing information.
• Understand the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.

All applicants must pass:

• Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Physical Ability Test (PAT) standard. 10 push-ups in 90 seconds, 12 sit ups in 90 seconds, and 15 squat thrusts in 3 minutes.
• Must complete and pass a criminal background check.
• Drug test, polygraph examination, and a psychological evaluation.
• Candidate must not have consumed cannabis in the 6 months prior to applying.

The following physical demands would exist in the everyday duties of this position:

• Standing (30%), Walking (40%), Sitting (30%); lifting and/or carrying (25 lbs.) - charts, clothing, etc.
• The ability to physically restrain a detainee by placing handcuffs and leg cuffs on juveniles.
• Reaching to retain objects in high places; stooping and/or kneeling to search or check under chairs, tables, etc. (for contraband);
• Speaking and hearing in order to communicate with juveniles; sight in order to maintain security of the facility and juveniles.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Free of any convictions with sexual motivation, illegal drug-related or alcohol-related crimes, crimes involving the use of a firearm, violent offenses, or a crime involving the commission of domestic violence.
• Must provide a valid Washington State Driver's License or obtain one by the time of employment.
• High School diploma or GED and experience as described below:

Lived experience as defined as previous involvement with the criminal legal system and/or a current or previous recipient of behavioral health services. This must be identified through the application process by including it in your application, in your cover letter/resume, or by contacting management after your application has been submitted.
Volunteer/employment experience in working with youth.
Qualifications for JDO II

• Minimum 2 years working with youth in a professional capacity.
• Create new and instruct life skills to youth.
• Successfully complete probationary period (for those hired as JDO I).

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *
Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.
Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)
Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).
Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.