JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER - FULL TIME

Kitsap County, WA
Port Orchard, Washington United States  View Map
Posted: Jan 24, 2026
  • Salary: $29.67 - $37.96 Hourly USD
  • Full Time
  • Public Safety
  • Job Description

    OVERVIEW

    Kitsap County is seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals to serve as Juvenile Detention Officers within the Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility-a role that is both impactful and deeply meaningful. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the lives of youth by providing structure, accountability, and the life skills necessary to succeed beyond detention.

    As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will play a critical role in helping youth overcome obstacles, reenter their communities successfully, and engage in positive, pro-social behaviors that reduce the likelihood of re-offending. You’ll work directly with youth during a pivotal moment in their lives, using supportive relationships, coaching, and clear boundaries to promote growth, responsibility, and change.

    Our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, individualized services to youth and their families in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who believe in rehabilitation, value teamwork, and want to advance their career while making a lasting impact on Kitsap County and the youth we serve.

    As a Juvenile Detention Officer, you will:
    • Maintain safety and security: Oversee the security of assigned pods, ensuring safety protocols are followed and visitors are properly screened.
    • Provide guidance and support: Offer encouragement and assistance to youth, helping them cultivate appropriate social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills.
    • Manage youth behavior: Apply conflict resolution strategies to promote pro-social behavior and administer discipline when necessary.
    • Facilitate recreational and developmental activities: Lead activities and games that encourage social development and healthy interaction.
    • Monitor daily activities: Supervise juveniles, search quarters for contraband, and escort youth throughout the facility as needed.
    • Track and record juvenile activities: Use case management systems to log admission, release, and behavioral observations.
    • Respond to emergency situations: Take immediate action in emergency situations to ensure the safety of staff and youth.
    • Assist with documentation: Gather data for social history and court reports to support youth rehabilitation and case management.
    • Ensure facility cleanliness and order: Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned areas, and handle necessary laundry and hygiene tasks.
    What you bring:
    Professional Credentials/Licensing: High school diploma or GED required.Must be at least 21 years of age.A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required before hire Preferred Qualifications:
    Experience working with youth is preferred.Experience in therapeutic detention, residential treatment, or a related field is an advantage. At least one year of college-level coursework in corrections, law enforcement, or social services Familiarity with case management systems like ACCESS, JIS/JCS, and ODYSSEY Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills with the ability to manage difficult situations and interact positively with youth.Ability to set clear boundaries while providing guidance and support.

    For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Juvenile%20Detention%20Officer.pdf
    For more information about Kitsap County Juvenile and Family Court Services: https://www.kitsap.gov/juv/Pages/default.aspx

    OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

    • Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
    • This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
    • This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Juvenile Detention Officer's Guild and the Kitsap County Personnel Manual Membership in the guild is optional.
    • Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
      • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
      • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
      • Criminal Conviction Standards:
        • The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.
    • Driving Requirements (If applicable) The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy of a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
      • Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
    • Within 30 days of appointment, the successful candidate must:
      • Obtain CPR/First Aid certification
      • Complete Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens training and receive Hepatitis B vaccine or sign a waiver.
      • Complete a Tuberculosis Test (and yearly thereafter).
    • Within twelve months of appointment, the successful candidate must:
      • Complete of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy
    • Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
    • Work hours will vary, depending on assigned shift.
    • This posting may be used to fill future openings.
    • Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

    If you are having technical difficulties, creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 525-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

    At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

    County Paid Benefits Include:
    Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
    Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
    Vision - VSP
    Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
    Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
    Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
    Voya Voluntary Insurance
    Transportation incentives
    Employee Assistance Program
    Travel Assistance Program
    Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
    Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

    *Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

    Retirement:
    Employees are covered under the PSERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

    Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

    Holidays
    11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

    Vacation Leave
    New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

    Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
    Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
    Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
    Sick Leave
    All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

    ***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

    Current County Employees
    If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

    Union Membership
    This position is covered under Juvenile Detention Officers Guildcollective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

    NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • KITSAP COUNTY
    • KITSAP COUNTY

    Kitsap County employs over 1100 employees in jobs that allow employees to make their mark and make a difference in their local community.  The County strives to provide effective and efficient services by continually assessing its purpose, promoting and rewarding innovation and fostering employee development.  Kitsap's Human Resources team provides the employee programs and benefits to keep Kitsap a great place to work.

    ​- Nancy Buonanno Grennan, Human Resources Director

    Our Mission

    ​Human Resources recruits talented, career-minded leaders; supports employee development; builds trust; celebrates teamwork; works with integrity and clear communication.

    Our Vision

     If we are successful, Kitsap County will be a trusting & competitive organization that employs and develops the most effective, professional & friendly staff available.

    Our Values

    We make decisions out of a sense of fairness & we will remember the "Human" part of HR.
    We focus on the needs of our customers & work to earn their trust.
    We do the right thing, no matter who is involved.
    We are relentlessly positive.

     

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