Manager III - Juvenile Court Services

Summary King County Superior Court is seeking qualified applicants for a full‑time Manager III position. The Court is one of the nation's largest trial courts, serving the 12th most populous county in the United States. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, King County Superior Court is nationally recognized for innovation. The court’s mission is to serve the public by ensuring justice through accessible and effective forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters. Work location The position is located at the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center, 1211 East Alder Ave, Seattle. The incumbent may be required to work at other court facilities. Work schedule This is a full‑time position. The Court’s core business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with variations possible. The position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. Job Duties Staff Leadership and Development Lead a team of dedicated professionals by recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising staff, including those supporting core juvenile court and probation functions. Develop a functional coaching relationship with subordinate supervisors and direct staff, fostering a positive work culture, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and addressing performance challenges through constructive solutions and empowerment. Operational Improvement & Project Oversight Lead and manage projects to improve operational efficiency across all service areas, including probation‑related processes and case management practices. Integrate new technologies and workflows to strengthen service delivery and support consistent, high‑quality outcomes that benefit all youth. Strategic Planning & Program Management Develop, implement, and monitor divisional work plans and goals, ensuring alignment with state mandates, funding sources, and statewide juvenile justice initiatives. Oversee case review processes, caseload distribution, and geographic assignments to support equitable workloads across juvenile probation and related service units. Budget Management & Funding Acquisition Oversee the development and monitoring of the program budget, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support probation operations and broader program needs. Lead efforts to secure diverse funding sources, including federal, state, local, and private funding. Manage contract compliance and track expenditures through monthly invoicing and reporting. Labor Relations Support effective working relationships with labor unions, including negotiations and administration of union labor contracts for all assigned work units, including those delivering probation services. Address grievances and promote a positive work environment in accordance with labor agreements. Contract Negotiation & Performance Monitoring Lead negotiations and manage contracts with state, county, and city agencies to provide services for court‑involved youth and their families. Ensure the quality and effectiveness of contracted services by monitoring performance and conducting regular quality assurance assessments that support both probation and broader program operations. Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service Build collaborative relationships with local, state, and national organizations to further reform efforts and initiatives. Respond to complex inquiries and resolve issues that involve multiple agencies or departments, including those related to probation services and youth supervision. Policy Analysis & Legislative Support Assist in analyzing local, state, and federal policies related to juvenile court operations and probation practice. Contribute to legislative and budget development through funding analysis and recommendations informed by emerging trends. Community Engagement & Resource Development Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders. Leverage community resources to enhance program operations and support successful outcomes for youth and families engaged with juvenile court services. Information Sharing & Reporting Oversee court‑ordered information sharing agreements and ensure timely distribution of reports, including policy recommendations, probation and program‑related data, and funding updates. Facilitate stakeholder input and ensure transparency in program activities. Program Evaluation & Research Partnerships Cultivate strong relationships with program evaluators, researchers, and stakeholders. Oversee contracted evaluations—design, methodology, data collection, and reporting—to inform continuous improvement across juvenile probation work units and related programs. Committee and Task Force Representation Represent the division on county, state, and national committees and task forces, advocating for effective juvenile justice and probation policies and initiatives. Backup Support & Other Duties Provide backup for the Director of Juvenile Court Services as needed and perform other duties and special projects as required by the department. Requirements To be minimally qualified for this position you will need a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration, or a similar field, and six years of experience working in the juvenile justice field, including three years in supervision and management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify. Highly competitive candidates will have a master's degree in a related field and at least three years of experience providing direct service to youth and families. Additional required skills and experience include: Proven leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams, managing complex projects, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Strong knowledge of juvenile justice system practices, state and federal regulations, and funding mechanisms. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate complex, multi‑agency issues. Demonstrated commitment to addressing racial inequities in the criminal justice system, applying a racial equity lens to policy and practice. Experience using effective change‑management principles in leading large, innovative organizational initiatives. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Experience using data to make informed decisions to improve policies and program outcomes. Demonstrated experience in contract management, budgeting, and securing funding. Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists must successfully pass a criminal background investigation and reference check. Benefits Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options. Life and disability insurance with options for additional coverage. Retirement: 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, 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. Equal Employment Opportunity King County Superior Court 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 EOO 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. Contact For questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you have questions about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. Union membership Positions in this classification are not represented by a union. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA