Juvenile Detention Officer (Project Position)- Juvenile Court Detention Services

Juvenile Detention Officer

At Clark County Juvenile Court, we are committed to building a team that reflects the community we serve and recognizes the value of every individual. Our Juvenile Detention Officers (JDOs) are mentors, role models, and advocates for youth at pivotal moments in their lives. We strive to create an environment where every young person and team member is respected, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. If you have the integrity, compassion, and sense of duty to serve youth and community with honor, we invite you to join us.

Being a JDO is about serving something greater than yourself. You'll:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of youth in our care.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Support the personal growth and positive direction of young people.
• Serve as an essential, dependable member of a 24/7 team—public safety and due process cannot wait.
• Every day, you'll be called on to demonstrate empathy, critical thinking, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service, even in the face of challenge or adversity.

A career with purpose and meaning: Direct impact on youth and public safety. Supportive, team-oriented environment: Built on mutual respect and collaboration. Competitive compensation: Regular step increases, shift differentials, and specialty pay. Outstanding benefits: Medical/dental/vision (including HSA options), paid time off, retirement (PERS), EAP, life and disability insurance, and more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer. Ongoing training and opportunities for growth.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and life experiences. Special encouragement for women to apply, supporting the needs of all youth in our facility.

We're building for the future! We're currently accepting applications to create an eligibility pool for anticipated openings over the next six months. We are particularly interested in attracting female applicants to ensure appropriate staffing to meet the unique needs and provide a safe and supportive environment for the female youth in our facility. The first review of applications is slated for August 28, 2026, so don't miss out on the chance to join our dedicated team. This project is currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2026. Please be advised that any potential for extension or conversion to a regular, full-time position is dependent upon County Council approval and the availability of future funding. Depending on team needs and vacancies that may arise, there could be opportunities for project staff to transition into full-time regular roles before the project's completion. This posting will be used to establish an eligibility list. This list will remain active for 6 months, and candidates may be selected from it to fill vacancies as they become available.

Supervise, guide, and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of juveniles in custody.

Conduct intake, recordkeeping, crisis intervention, and support daily youth activities.

Foster a positive environment where everyone is treated with fairness and respect.

Respond to emergencies and de-escalate tense situations with professionalism and care.

Collaborate with a team dedicated to serving the public and supporting youth.

Honor and Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical conduct—even when no one is watching.

Physical and Emotional Resilience: Ability to remain steady and positive in stressful or rapidly changing situations.

Reliability: Consistent attendance and willingness to step up when the community needs you most.

Empathy: Ability to listen and respond to the needs of youth and families from all walks of life.

Dedication to Service: Clear sense of duty to the mission and the public.

High school diploma or GED required.

Two years of experience in criminal justice, social/behavioral sciences, or a closely related field, or equivalent post-secondary education/training (may substitute for up to 18 months of required experience).

Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain.

Willingness to work varied shifts, mandatory overtime, and call-ins as needed.

Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including facial/respiratory protection (and comply with related grooming standards for fit-testing).

Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing background and reference checks.

Experience working with youth, especially in justice, counseling, social services, or teaching.

Experience serving people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, or life situations.

Bilingual or multilingual skills.

Top candidates will progress through the following steps:

• Application Review
• Applications will be reviewed to ensure that minimum qualifications are met.
• Resume Review
• Submitted resumes will be assessed for relevant experience and skills.
• Supplemental Questionnaire
• Candidates who pass the initial application and resume review will receive an email with a supplemental questionnaire. Completion and return of the questionnaire is required before you can be considered for an interview.
• Panel Interview
• Selected candidates will participate in a panel interview focused on job-related scenarios and competencies.
• Reference and Background Checks
• Comprehensive reference and background checks will be conducted for final candidates.
• Physical Ability Test (PAT)
• Candidates must be able to successfully complete the required Physical Ability Test. (See standards above.)
• Pre-Employment Requirements
• Includes completion of a Food Handler's Card (county-paid) and any other onboarding steps.

Submit your most current resume.

Upload all required documents at the time of application—late or partial applications will not be accepted.

Early applications are encouraged; the position will remain open until filled.

Location: Juvenile Justice Center, Downtown Vancouver, WA Schedule: Full-time, variable shifts (days, swings, graves, weekends, holidays—essential 24/7 coverage) Pay: See Guild salary schedule for details; additional bilingual, shift, and specialty pay available. Type: Project position through 12/31/2026 with eligibility pool for regular openings.

Project positions are currently ineligible for the Public Safety Retirement Systems (PSERS) Membership.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform intake functions, including interviewing, booking, and determining admittance or release criteria for detained juveniles.
• Basic First Aid
• Maintain records of detained juveniles' behavior and personal history.
• Monitor juveniles' activities and supervise daily schedules, including recreation, hygiene, and school programs.
• Conduct security checks and maintain the safety and integrity of the facility.
• Assist with meal preparation and ensure juveniles receive food and snacks according to the facility's menu.
• Manage incoming calls, communication systems, and visitors, following all necessary procedures.
• Handle the release of juveniles, including returning personal property according to court-mandated timelines.
• Facilitate prosocial recreational activities and coordinate youth movement according to the operational schedule.
• Receives, searches, and removes personal property from detained youth; provides clothing and hygiene articles; assigns beds and wards.
• Monitor visiting hours and visitors, ensuring authorization of each visitor; checks for signatures on all pertinent documents; searches each detainee after visiting hours are over.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Our Pledge to the Community: Essential Uninterrupted Services, Unwavering Dedication.

Public servants are the backbone of our community, providing critical services that ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of life for all our residents. These services – from public safety and infrastructure to health and justice – are essential and must continue without interruption, regardless of the circumstances.

Salary Range: $29.69 - $40.08 per hour.

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

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