Juvenile Detention Officer

Salary : $74,276.80 - $94,057.60 Annually
Location : Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center - 1211 East Alder Ave., Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026JR26892
Department: DAJD-Adult/Juvenile Detention
Division: Juvenile
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Q5 : KCJDG-Juvenile Detent Officers
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week


Summary
THIS POSITION IS OPEN FOR CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT.
About the department: King County offers careers with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package. We are looking for candidates who understand that making a difference in the lives of detained youth can change the course of their future. Investing in the lives of these individuals can have lasting impacts on the communities all around us. Juvenile Detention Officers are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, secure environment for juveniles and ensuring that their care and programming needs are met. Department's Mission: We provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve. About the position: The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is looking for prospective Juvenile Detention Officers who have a strong interest in working with our community's youth. If you are selected for this position, you will work in a secure juvenile detention facility with youth typically under the age of 18 years old. Interacting with youth in this setting, you will focus on managing behavior by the least restrictive means, coaching and using conflict-resolution skills to teach and promote pro-social behavior. For more information, please refer to the Detention Officer job class description.

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE :
King County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a full-time benefited King County employee.

• Juvenile Detention Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: education level premiums for Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees, bilingual premium, and shift differential premiums.
• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for degrees in approved fields of study.
• Comprehensive provision of uniforms and equipment.
• 12 days of annual vacation leave with progressive career increases up to a maximum of 30 vacation days per year.
• 12 days of sick leave with unlimited annual carryover.
• 12 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 personal holidays.
• King County offers medical, dental, and vision coverage options. Eligible employees can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents.
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: King County employees participate in a generous pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, and can voluntarily participate in additional 401k deferred compensation options.
• Transportation program, and free ORCA transit pass.
• Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, bereavement leave, volunteer service leave, and military service leave.
• Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Programs, Employee Giving Program Employee Assistance Programs, and Training & Career development programs.

For additional information about employee benefits please visit: Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page

Job Duties
Some of the important duties in this position will include:

• Providing safe and secure custody of juveniles, ensuring that they have access to health and mental health services, as well as educational resources and exercise.

• Maintaining proper living standards to include good health habits, instructing juveniles in housekeeping, sanitation responsibilities, and personal hygiene.

• Creating an environment which models pro-social behaviors for juveniles and supports them in changing behaviors and patterns to achieve positive goals.

• Managing behavior and diffusing disruptive behaviors through problem-solving, crisis intervention, and/or counseling.

Other Regular Job Duties:

• Monitor and document the movement and location of all juveniles at all times, complete reports regarding incidents and violations of Department policies and procedures and operate electronic audio/video surveillance equipment.
• Provide educational and/or recreational structured programming, which includes both overseeing a program performed by volunteers/contractors and directly providing programs and groups aimed at teaching pro-social behavior, games, and other activities.
• Pay special attention to individual considerations, such as mental health, emotional needs, gender identity, cultural or ethnic requirements, etc.
• Use appropriate physical defensive interventions and restraint techniques to subdue and restrain juveniles as necessary and in accordance with local, state and federal law; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive interventions and physical agility.
• Ensure that the constitutional and other rights of the youth are upheld through ensuring access to health and mental health services, ensuring educational attendance, gym and library services, serving meals and snacks, and maintaining proper living standards and health habits.
• Conduct inspections of facility, juveniles, visitors and packages delivered to the facility, as well as conduct searches related to safety and security to include but not limited to vehicles, facilities, property and person for contraband, health hazards, and safety and security violations.
• Must be physically able to run, sit, climb stairs, and perform physical defensive tactics.
• Operate a motor vehicle to transport juveniles.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Required Abilities:

• Willing and available to work at least 40 hours per week. The normal workday is eight (8) hours, including a paid meal break.
• The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center is operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Must be available to work varied shifts which include days, swing, graveyard, holidays, weekends and overtime as required.
• Must be willing and able to work mandatory overtime as required to meet operational needs.
• Can apply legal and operational practices and procedures required during the supervision of youth offenders.
• Make well-informed decisions based on a mixture of analysis, training, experience and judgment.
• Work equitably with all people, dealing effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, and gender identities.
• Demonstrate truthfulness and maintain high levels of ethics and integrity; follow established policies and procedures.
• Excellent conflict-resolution skills; can assess situations quickly; and find common ground and get cooperation with individuals.
• Maintain composure and perform well under stress when confronted with emergency, critical or dangerous situations; handle multiple activities simultaneously; exercise good judgment under stressful circumstances.
• Have empathy and compassion for others.
• Able to learn and apply Restorative Justice Practices.
• Have an understanding that the trauma people experience in the past can negatively impact their life.
• Practice attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out.
• Exercise patience and tolerance with people and processes; try to understand the people and the data before making judgments and acting.

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 King 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.

Minimum qualifications:

• Completion of two years of post-high school education in criminal justice, human services, psychology, sociology, education or child and/or adolescent development OR two years experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline and supervision of justice system involved and/or at-risk juveniles aged 12-17 years old. Demonstrated/related work experience, if applicable, must be detailed in the job application.
• A valid Washington state driver's license by the date of hire.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by time of hire.
• Must have the ability to read, speak, and write in the English language fluently.
• Must be willing and able to work mandatory overtime as required to meet operational needs.
• Must be available to work varied shifts which include days, swing, graveyard, holidays, weekends and overtime as required. Assignments and schedules are based on the department's staffing needs and subject to bargaining unit bid processes which are seniority-based.

Most competitive (must be detailed in the job application):

• Bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, human services, psychology, sociology, education or child and/or adolescent development, or related area of study, or four or more years of work experience (paid or volunteer) in these fields.
• Experience working with youth in a correctional or security-oriented environment.
• Lateral Experience : Training requirements and starting salary range will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Supplemental Information
Union Membership:
Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Juvenile Detention Guild - Juvenile Detention Officers.

To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternative language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. Completion of a King County employment application including the supplemental questionnaire is required. Resumes or letter of interest alone will not substitute for a full application. You can apply online at: For technical assistance with the online application process, please contact Government Jobs Customer Support toll free at: View phone number on click.appcast.io or Governmentjobs.com

For assistance or questions regarding this position or the selection process, please contact Jasna Rustempasic, Talent Acquisition HR Analyst at


Selection process:
Candidates selected for this position must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:

• King County application for employment. Once the applications are screened, incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to precede to the next phase.
• Successful incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department's background investigation process. The DAJD background investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes, but is not limited to: completion of fingerprints, extensive Background Investigation Questionnaire to include personal reference check, employment references check, and criminal background check.
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Testing/Evaluation
• Interview(s)
• Physical Examination (Pre-Employment Physical)

Conditions of continued employment includes but is not limited to:

1. Successful candidates must pass a physical ability test (PAT).
   • The post-hire PAT is administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) which is required for admission to the Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy.
   • Additional information regarding the WSCJTC PAT requirements can be found at: new-pat-form-v-5-1-5-21.pdf (wa.gov) and descriptions at - Update To The Physical Ability Test (PAT) (wa.gov)
   • The physical qualification process will include the following components: Push-Ups: 10 minimum, 90-second time limit; Sit-Ups: 12 minimum, 90-second time limit; Squat Thrusts: 15 minimum, 3-minute time limit.
2. Maintain ability to participate in rigorous physical training at the academy. Must be physically able to work with juvenile detainees in physical situations throughout employment.
3. Must complete the new employee orientation (NEO).
4. Must complete the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
5. Must complete the Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy.
6. Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Employees are required to maintain a satisfactory background, criminal and driving record throughout employment in this role. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment if adverse information is obtained during employment.

If you have failed the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention's background investigation process within the past two years, your application will not be considered at this time, unless otherwise notified.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our " True North" we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.


King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer:
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our


This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.


NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.


For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01


Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No

02


If you answered yes to the King County Priority Placement Program Participant question, do you possess the skills and abilities to quality for this position?

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered yes to the King County Priority Placement Program Participant question, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
04


Have you undergone the background investigation process for employment with the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention within the last two years?

• Yes
• No

05


How did you hear about this position?

• Career Fair or Recruiting Booth
• King County Website or GovernmentJobs.com
• Display Advertisement
• CorrectionsOne Advertisement
• Referred by King County Employee
• Personal Referral
• Radio Ad or Interview
• Public Safety Testing
• King County Recruiter
• Indeed.com
• Other

06


If you selected "Other" regarding question #5, please let us know how you heard about this position.
07


Were you referred by a current King County department employee to this job posting?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered yes to question #7, please provide the employee's full name and the King County department they are employed with. If you answered no, type N/A.
09


Are you currently, or have you in the past, participated in volunteer activities within a King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention facility (Maleng Regional Justice Center, King County Correctional Facility or King County's Juvenile Detention Facility)?

• Yes
• No

10


Following is a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The general employment application must be completed to include your work history. You are welcome to submit a resume as well; however, failure to provide a detailed work history on the general application may prohibit further consideration. Do you understand that your responses to the supplemental questions for this position must be supported by your general application materials?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you at least 20 1/2 years old at this time? Please note: You must be at least 21 years of age or older at time of hire. There is no upper age restriction for the position.

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have a post-high school degree in the Criminal Justice, Law and Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related area of study?

• No
• Yes, associate degree
• Yes, master's degree or higher
• Not yet, but I am currently working on a degree

13


Do you have two (2) or more years' experience working with youth in a paid or voluntary capacity? Examples of work with youth may include, but is not limited to: Mentoring programs, Coaching or teaching, Recreation or after school programs.

• Yes
• No

14


Describe your experience working with youth in a paid or voluntary capacity. If you don't have this type of experience, type N/A.
15


Washington Residents: Do you possess a valid Washington State driver's license?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - I am not a WA State Resident

16


Out of State Residents: You would need to obtain a valid Washington state driver's license before your first day on the job. Are you able to do that?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - I'm a WA state resident

17


If you answered NO to a question above regarding having or obtaining a valid Washington State driver's license by time of hire, explain.
18


The Juvenile Detention facility operates 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Shifts are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (days), 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (swing), and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (overnights), with overtime when necessary. Staff must be willing to work any hours/shifts, including weekends and holidays, and overtime. Are you willing to work any hours/shifts, including weekends and holidays, and overtime?

• Yes
• No

19


When necessary for operational needs, are you willing to work mandatory overtime?

• Yes
• No

20


Detention Officer candidates must pass a physical ability test (PAT) administered at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center. The PAT requirement includes the ability to do 10 push-ups within 90 seconds, 12 sit ups within 90 seconds, and 15 squat thrusts within 3 minutes. Candidates will also be required to successfully complete a pre-qualification based on the described PAT upon hire during the new employee orientation. Are you able to meet the PAT requirements as described above?

• Yes
• No

21


All candidates for employment with DAJD must undergo a thorough background investigation process. This process may include a polygraph examination, investigation for criminal activity, traffic records, conviction records, employment and education history, character and reputation in the community, etc. Selected positions may also require psychological testing and evaluation, and a pre-employment general medical physical. Applicants may be rejected for criminal behavior, drug use, or any indications in the areas listed in the "Background Investigation Screening" questionnaire.Are you willing to undergo a background investigation process as described above?

• Yes
• No

22


The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. Employees of the department are prohibited from using illegal drugs. Should you be hired by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, you acknowledge that you will adhere to the department's policies and rules regarding drug use.

• Yes
• No

23


PLEASE NOTE: A "yes" response to any of the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration. Responses will be confirmed and verified in the course of the department's background investigation process. Do you understand that a "yes" response to the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration?

• Yes
• No

24


Have you ever been convicted of one or more of the following offenses: a felony offense; a gross misdemeanor domestic violence offense; an offense with sexual motivation as defined by RCW 9.94A.030; an offense under chapter 9A.44 RCW; or a federal or out-of-state offense comparable to the offenses listed in this question?

• Yes
• No

25


If you answered yes to the question above, was the conviction adjudicated as a juvenile and the records was sealed; or were you granted a full and unconditional pardon?

• Yes
• No

26


Have you ever been convicted as an adult for any violent crime against a person?

• Yes
• No

27


Have you ever been convicted as an adult for any crime classified as a Domestic Violence offense?

• Yes
• No

28


Are you currently named as a respondent in an active and non-temporary No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Domestic Violence Order?

• Yes
• No

29


Are you listed on any state child abuse registries?

• Yes
• No

30


Are you prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm?

• Yes
• No

31


In the last three (3) years, have you participated or been affiliated with a street gang or security threat group defined by RCW 9.94A.030 and/or RCW 43.43.762?

• Yes
• No

32


In the last three (3) years, have you been convicted of a DUI?

• Yes
• No

33


Have you ever been convicted as an adult of Attempting to Elude or Hit & Run Attended?

• Yes
• No

34


In the last five (5) years, have you been convicted of any adult felony drug offense?

• Yes
• No

35


In the last 3 years, have you illegally used any other controlled substance or other illegal drugs/narcotics? For purposes of this question, illegal drugs/narcotics/controlled substances include, but is not limited to, the following: Cocaine or Crack • Club drugs: Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA • Hallucinogens: PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin • Opiates: Opium, Morphine or Heroin • Stimulants: Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine • Aerosols: Huffing paint, Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat

• Yes
• No

36


In the last 3 years, have you bought, sold, offered to sell, possessed, transported, manufactured, delivered or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance? • Cocaine or crack • Club drugs - Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol or MDMA • Hallucinogens - PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin • Opiates - Opium, Morphine or Heroin • Stimulants - Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine • Aerosols - Huffing paint or Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat

• Yes
• No

37


Have you ever been disciplined in the workplace for sexual, racial, or other harassment or discrimination?

• Yes
• No

38


If former military, did you receive any discharge other than "Honorable"?

• Yes, I received a less than honorable discharge.
• No, I received an honorable discharge.
• N/A, I was never in the military.

Required Question