Juvenile Court Manager of Detention and Facilities

Why This is a Great Opportunity: As a dynamic, detail-oriented leader with a passion for justice, you will play a pivotal role in a nationally recognized youth justice program that transforms lives. You'll lead a dedicated team committed to uplifting the youth and families in our community providing oversight to our 24/7 juvenile detention facility. Your expertise in strategy and program management will enable you to shape programs that matter and ensure safe operations for internal staff and youth in the program. 

Why this is a Great Department: Pierce County is home to one of the nation’s most innovative youth justice programs, where we focus on systemic changes that prioritize rehabilitation, skill acquisition and supporting long term behavior change. Our Juvenile Court system is a national leader in addressing systemic racism and improving outcomes for all youth and families in our community. Here, your passion for supporting, mentoring, and advocating for young people will be deeply valued. We celebrate and embrace your unique talents, perspectives, and drive to make a meaningful difference. At Pierce County Juvenile Court, we believe in the power of people and systems to change, and together, we can create lasting, positive impacts.

Click here to watch a short video showcasing the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court.

How to be Successful in the Role: We’re seeking someone inspired by service and justice, who excels both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Your ability to communicate effectively and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders will be crucial as you manage and monitor our juvenile detention facility. You should also be skilled in policy development, translating ideas into actionable strategies, and driving process improvements for positive change. In an ever-evolving justice system, we welcome innovative, forward-thinking individuals who thrive in dynamic environments.

Your Future in This Role: You will have opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You’ll build strong networks across diverse sectors, including child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, and community resources. Your work will directly touch issues like substance abuse, mental health, poverty, and systemic inequities—areas that deeply affect the young people and families we serve. You’ll contribute to shaping a justice system that truly promotes accountability, fairness and second chances.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities of detention, medical, food services, and facilities; develop program and operational goals and objectives; determine work procedures and guidelines to meet changing conditions; prepare work schedules and determine methods for expediting workflow.
• Assure that young people in secure detention are given proper health, nutritional and recreational care; assure that security precautions are sufficient to safeguard young people and the public; assure that the facility is properly cleaned and maintained.
• Must develop expertise in PREA standards and promote a zero-tolerance culture toward sexual abuse and sexual harassment. In addition to establishing a written policy that outlines the agency’s approach to sexual misconduct prevention, detection and response, the manager must identify staff to coordinate and monitor those efforts. The manager will oversee and collaborate closely with the agency’s PREA coordinator.
• Assume responsibility for maintenance of departmental records and documents; review all disciplinary actions taken by detention staff in controlling detainees.
• Plan in-service staff education, training and development; provide technical assistance with extremely complex atypical problems. 
• Prepare budget requests and amendments; approve and control program expenditures.
• Evaluate individual and program accomplishments; approve and control program expenditures.
• Prepare application for local, state and/or federal funding grants; administer grant programs, provide supervisory controls.
• Ensure effective communication with county departments and staff to facilitate and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Assign, review and approve the work of subordinate staff; investigate grievances involving subordinates and recommend resolution; recommend hiring, promotional and disciplinary actions; approve leave requests and overtime; provide adequate coverage during staff absences.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop performance measures and standards.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public.
• Participate in and support development, measurement and execution of the mission, goals, and objectives of the County, department, division and individual work groups.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• A Bachelor’s Degree with course work in corrections, social work, management or a closely related field AND
• At least 5 years experience in the juvenile justice field with at least 2 years of which must have been in a supervisory position, in which compensated employees were supervised.
• Additional education in management and supervision is preferred.
• A resume and a substantive cover letter is required. 
• Must have completed the first line supervisor and management training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission prior to completion of the probationary period.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Ability to pass a Pierce County background investigation, polygraph, medical exam, and drug screen.

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:  

• A resume and a substantive cover letter is required. 
• 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.  
• 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.

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 great place to live, work, and raise a family?

Salary : $114,591 - $148,191