Pierce County, WA

Description

This is a Regular 40 hour per week position, swing shift 3-11pm with midweek days off. This position starts at step 5, $28.85 per hour.

Applications received on this posting may be used as a roster for future openings through April 2025.

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Pierce County Juvenile Court is an innovative leader in the youth justice field. It is home to where reform policies, practices, and programs are nationally recognized. Pierce County Juvenile Court was one of two sites in the nation to be selected to pursue Probation Transformation in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Juvenile Court system is proud to be a national leader in working with young people and families to address systemic racism and improve outcomes for all people in our community. Even with the successes in our reform journey, we know that there is more work to do as the structure of our current system is designed to produce disparate outcomes for BIPOC children and families, as well as marginalized communities. 

Do you want to be on the front line of change? Of taking our current efforts to the next level, so that young people are prepared for successful transition into adulthood? And advocate within the system for change that impacts individuals while supporting the development of strong communities?

Your passion for leading with compassion, listening, supporting, empowering, providing resources and advocacy to young people and families, will be valued here. We welcome and embrace your diverse perspective and talents. We believe people and systems can change, and together, we will make a powerful impact in the community.

Our Guiding Principles

We Practice Gratitude: Put relationships first and be thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for others and return kindness.

We Value Differences: Appreciate and embrace differences in opinions, cultures, and experiences.

We Maintain a Growth Mindset: Effort and perseverance are important; giving and receiving feedback is critical to improving skills and establishing grit. The focus is on the process; outcomes will follow.

We Choose Courage Over Comfort: Willing to face challenging tasks and engage in difficult conversations with grace. We support each other in all times. 

We Practice Authenticity: Be genuine, speak your truth, and seek understanding of experiences that differ from your own.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Success in this position is measured by the ability to build and sustain positive relationships, coach, teach and mentor young people while maintaining healthy boundaries. Keeping the safety and security of young people and staff as priority, by using successful behavioral management skills and de-escalation techniques. Responding to situations that arise through a trauma informed lens and with a compassionate approach will also contribute to the success of the individual in this role.

• Ability to work in a high conflict environment and remain strength-based while supporting cases moving forward in a way that leads to positive outcomes for young people and families. 
• Ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, combat bias and advocate through the lens/values of the young people and families you serve, even when they may differ from your own. 
• Be culturally humble and responsive.
• Write and speak in a persuasive way.
• Respond to situations that arise and to individuals through a trauma informed and anti-racist lens.
• Secondary trauma is a reality in our work. The ability to be mindful and be healthy will ensure long term success in the field of child welfare.

Your Future in the Role:

As the justice system continues to improve and reform, we welcome forward thinking, creative, and compassionate people who thrive working in everchanging and innovative environments.

This position has opportunities for professional development, leadership, and training, as well as creating many connections within child welfare, education, mental health, community resources, substance use disorder, poverty and other areas that impact the young people and families we serve.

Click here to watch a short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: https://youtu.be/E-YZEVzoeM8

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Conducts security checks of the building, inspecting appropriate hallways, doors, windows and recreational areas. 
• Identifies residents who indicate self-destructive behavior and provides appropriate intervention. 
• Assesses residents' emotional/mental status and makes recommendations regarding the need for further evaluation or attention; investigates and records critical behavioral incidents. 
• May defuse possible hostile actions; takes appropriate corrective measures; and controls problem behavior. 
• Identifies the need for, plans, implements and supervises various group and recreational activities and programs. 
• Assures that the resident's living unit is clean, safe, secure and free of contraband. 
• Utilizes skill building techniques in individual or group interaction with resident 

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed. To view the complete classification, click here. 

Strategic Responsibilities and Values:

You should be adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma informed, and compassionate, while maintaining the safety, security, and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court. 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. You should instill hope in those you serve through creating goals, finding pathways, and believing in the possibility of change.

Qualifications:

• Completion of two years of post high school education in the social sciences, corrections, or related field; or two years experience (paid or volunteer) in the guidance, discipline and supervision of delinquent juveniles. 
• Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

1) Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.

2) Attach the following documents to your online application: 

• College transcripts or college diploma
• Other documents which you feel would facilitate this process or assist us in determining your suitability for the position. Examples: job performance evaluations, awards, certificates, decorations, etc.

Other Important Information:

• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any Work Source location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need. 
• This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written and/or oral examinations, performance examinations, and interviews. 
• Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted once an outcome has been reached. We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from piercecounty.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. 
• The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or two entering the required information. It may be helpful to you if you print the announcement, gather the information, then enter the information. 
• In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
• As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Pierce County welcomes a diverse workforce. Pierce County does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person. If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at (253) 798-7480 before the closing date.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our Leadership Training Program, and a County Book Club. 

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family 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.

Our benefits:

Vacation (Annual Leave)

After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave. 

Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:

Vacation Accruals:

During years 1-3, 12 Days

During years 4-7, 16 Days

During years 8-13, 20 Days

During years 14-18, 23 Days

During years 19, 24 Days

During years 20, 25 Days

During years 21, 26 Days

During years 22, 27 Days

During years 23, 28 Days

During years 24, 29 Days

During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days

A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.

Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.

Military Leave:

Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.

Holidays:

Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows: 

New Year's Day - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January

President's Day - Third Monday in February

Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

Juneteenth - June 19

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - First Monday in September

Veteran's Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after

Christmas Day - December 25

Personal Holidays:

Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.

Furlough:

Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.

Sick Leave:

Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.

Insurance Benefits:

Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the Pierce County Health Benefits website.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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 Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Please visit Pierce County's Benefits website for more information.

Telework/Remote Options:

Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy here. 

• All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.

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