Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 (JRO2) - Lakewood

Salary: $51,840.00 - $69,744.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-04813
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Oakridge Community Facility
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
Our vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".
Job Class: Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 (JRO2)
Location: Lakewood, WA
Closes: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Salary: $67,992 Annually. The salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium. The salary also does not include the 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 (JRO2) to join the Oakridge team. In this role, you will provide direct supervision, transportation, monitoring, and community accountability for residents while supporting rehabilitative programming. You will also serve as a direct mentor for JRO1 security staff.

Oakridge Community Facility (OCF) is a minimum-security juvenile rehabilitation facility in Lakewood, Washington, focused on helping young men successfully transition back into their communities. Through an Integrated Treatment Model that includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Oakridge staff work alongside residents on the skills, connections, and experiences they need to build a life beyond the justice system - from education and employment to family relationships and independent living.

The work here is hands-on and community connected. Staff take residents into the community regularly, transport them to school, work, and appointments, and partner with families and natural supports to build the foundation residents will rely on after release.
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The Opportunity:

As a Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 at Oakridge, you will work directly with youth in a community residential setting, helping to maintain safety, support behavioral change, and model pro-social behavior every day. This position operates under general supervision and works a rotating schedule that may include day, swing, or graveyard shifts on weekdays and weekends.

If you are someone who is calm under pressure, committed to youth rehabilitation, and ready to show up every day for young people who need it most, we want to hear from you.
Some of what you will do:

• Provide supervision and monitoring of all resident whereabouts; conduct routine and random headcounts, bed checks, building integrity checks, room searches for contraband, and pat searches.
• Document security breaches, behavioral incidents, resident behaviors, and daily activities accurately in the legal log and ACT reporting system.
• Recognize and assess problem situations; intervene to maintain safety and security using JR-approved de-escalation methods and techniques.
• Facilitate programming and activities both inside the facility and in the community.
• Support case management goals by engaging, motivating, coaching, and redirecting residents toward targeted behavior change.
• Supervise resident self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medications daily.
• Transport and monitor residents to and from school, work, activities, and community-based appointments; complete daily rosters as directed.
• Complete intake and release inventory for residents; inspect rooms for cleanliness and contraband.
• Awaken residents and supervise completion of facility chores to meet health and hygiene standards; serve and supervise meals.
• Notify appropriate JR personnel, law enforcement, and parents or guardians in the event of escapes.
• Perform general facility cleaning, monitor inventory, collect urinalysis samples, and complete required documentation.

Required qualifications:

One (1) year of relevant experience (full-time equivalency) in counseling, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, psychology, sociology, behavioral health, or social service.

OR

Two (2) years of college.

AND

1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Note: Two years of college will substitute for the one year of experience.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Two or more years of experience in the areas of work such as: social services, youth group activities, security guard, correctional officer, police officer, police reserve officer, military police, or other law enforcement work; or a certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC); or, a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program.
• Understanding of adolescent development and juvenile rehabilitation practices and principles
• Experience providing cognitive/behavioral therapeutic interventions.
• Competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.
• Knowledge of basic juvenile correctional system, rehabilitation objectives in juvenile institutions, basic interviewing and counseling theories and techniques, basic concepts, fundamentals, and principles of individual and group behaviors, introductory psychology of deviant behavior, and crisis intervention methods and techniques.
• Ability to obtain pertinent information during interviews, assist in rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, apply rules, regulations and procedures, appraise situations, and remain calm and in control in crisis situations and deescalate situations.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
This position requires at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.
This position is included a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:


This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,
DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with on their first day of employment
04813
More than Just a Paycheck!
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. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) 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 state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Select the response that best describes your education and experience.

• One year as a Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 1.
• One year of relevant experience (full-time equivalency) in counseling, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, psychology, sociology, behavioral health, or social service.
• Two years of college.
• None of the above.

02


Which of the following best describes your work experience in adolescent development and juvenile rehabilitation practices and principles?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have one year or less of this experience.
• I have one to two years of this experience.
• I have two to three years of this experience.
• I have three to four years of this experience.
• I have five years or more of this experience.

03


Which of the following best describes your experience providing cognitive/behavior therapeutic interventions?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have one year or less of this experience.
• I have one to two years of this experience.
• I have two to three years of this experience.
• I have three to four years of this experience.
• I have five years or more of this experience.

04


Which of the following best describes your experience using supervision and lead techniques?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have one year or less of this experience.
• I have one to two years of this experience.
• I have two to three years of this experience.
• I have three to four years of this experience.
• I have five years or more of this experience.

05


Do you have basic knowledge of the juvenile correctional system, and rehabilitation objectives in juvenile institutions?

• Yes
• No

06


Can you use de-escalation techniques approved for intervention by JR with verbally and/or physically aggressive youth?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

08


Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

09


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• DCYF Employee Referral
• DCYF Jobs Page
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Advertisement
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question