Juvenile Division Director - DAJD

King County   Seattle, WA   Full-time     Social Service
Posted on January 22, 2025
Apply Now
Salary

$178,776.00 - $226,616.00 Annually

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Appointed

Job Number

2025MW23690

Department

DAJD-Adult/Juvenile Detention

Division

Juvenile

Opening Date

01/21/2025

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

Summary



This position will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply by Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, will receive first consideration in the process.

The King County Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention is seeking an inspired and talented leader with the vision, knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the division's transition to providing trauma-informed, developmentally tailored, and culturally responsive services. The candidate will be committed to the juvenile legal system reform and seeking out alternatives to existing use of secure detention in response to community calls for transformation within the criminal legal system and racial equity.

The county executive shall appoint the division director through a competitive search process that includes participation by the superior court judges. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Metropolitan King County Council.

For more information on the King County Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention, visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/jails/juvenile-detention.aspx

King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is searching for an exceptional leader to serve as Juvenile Division Director. The Division Director will serve in an appointed senior management position responsible for overseeing juvenile detention, programming, and alternatives to secure detention at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC). Many operations, initiatives, and programs managed by the Director have far-reaching implications with DAJD's ability to deliver quality service to County residents and inter-jurisdictional partners.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is a King County Executive branch department with five divisions and approximately 930 budgeted employees supporting two adult detention facilities housing approximately 1,500 adult residents, a 112-bed juvenile detention facility, alternatives to secure detention, various community supervision programs, and administrative services. The juvenile detention facility houses youth between the ages of 12-17 with an average daily population of 55 youth in 2024.

DAJD MISSION: We provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

DAJD VISION: We lead the Nation in providing exemplary services that transform lives.

DAJD PRIORITIES
  • Ensure safety and security of staff and residents.
  • Recruit, develop, support, and retain staff.
  • Promote opportunities to humanize the people in our facilities and programs.
  • Strengthen community connections.
  • Manage operational risks.
To learn more about DAJD, please visit our website at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dajd

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, RACE & SOCIAL JUSTICE

As the only county in the United States named after one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, Martin Luther King, Jr. County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures.

We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change.

To learn more about the County's ERSJ efforts please visit our website at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/elected/executive/equity-social-justice

Job Duties



KEY DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTATIONS
Reporting to the Department Director of DAJD, the Division Director provides collaborative leadership and a clearly articulated vision for ensuring safe secure management of the juvenile detention facility in King County.

The Juvenile Division Director will:
  • Lead the 24/7 operations and administration of the Juvenile Division, which includes secure detention, alternatives to secure detention, health-clinic services, programming, food services, volunteer services, and family visitation.
  • Promote employee engagement, belonging and well-being.
  • Champion the advancement of equity and social justice awareness and applied values in the work of the Division.
  • Display exceptional interpersonal skills, and seasoned political savvy in navigating and addressing the concerns of stakeholders, elected leaders, and community partners.
  • Maintain awareness and compliance with statutory mandates related to detention operations.
  • Lead the implementation and management of high-impact advancements in the areas of trauma-informed care, integration of adolescent brain development science, alternatives to secure detention, and restorative justice programs.
  • Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures in support of best practice and in consideration of county risk management.
  • Advance data-driven decision making and continuous quality and process improvement.
  • Work closely with Superior Court judges and manage staff who work daily with court staff to admit and release youth, escort youth to and from court hearings and supervise youth while in court, coordinate visits with probation and defense counsel, and monitor and enforce conditions of alternatives to secure detention (electronic home monitoring and group homes) ordered by the court.
  • Create and maintain functional continuity of operations and emergency preparedness plans.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with labor unions to foster a collaborative working environment; ensure the implementation of and adherence to labor agreements.
  • Engage with community partners to understand and eliminate the drivers of racial disproportionality in the juvenile legal system.
  • Partner with and support the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) in the community-centered strategic planning process to identify the community-based resources and accountability needed to support young people in crisis with the goal of reduced reliance on secure custody.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills



THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS ROLE WILL:
  • Have well documented juvenile detention experience as well as community-based alternatives to detention, including serving as a people leader to staff.
  • Bring a strong background in directing and providing strategic leadership to organizations, including working collaboratively at all levels and across jurisdictions.
  • Prior experience leading a large organization through an organizational transformation of change management.
  • Have an exceptional record of successfully managing, developing and/or implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and systems including use of technology to achieve these outcomes.
  • Be customer-focused and comfortable advising and partnering with internal and external partners about complex initiatives, policies, and programming strategies.
  • Possess the knowledge and skills to manage complex projects including scoping and organizing resources, developing work plans, and facilitating multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Have strategies and ideas to drive a culture of employee engagement which supports the development, learning, coaching, and team building necessary for a diverse workforce.
  • Advance a commitment to employee wellbeing, belonging, and morale to create a workplace that is cohesive and supportive of its workforce.
  • Lead as a champion for Equity, Race, and Social Justice. Able to lead an inclusive workforce where employees feel a sense of belonging. Ensure services, access to programs, and spaces are widely available, and members of the community are treated with dignity and respect.
  • Be flexible and adaptable as required, while working in a multi-faceted environment.

Supplemental Information



COMPENSATION & HOW TO APPLY

This exciting opportunity is open to all applicants. The salary for this position in 2025 has a range starting at $178,788 up to a top end (based on experience) of $226,624 annually, and includes innovative and award-winning medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a robust leave package. To see all of King County's benefits, please visit our web site at http://kingcounty.gov/jobs/benefits.aspx .

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The following items are REQUIRED to be considered for this opportunity:
  • Completion of the entire online King County application including education history, work history, position duties, and answers to the supplemental questions
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter-detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Application submittals without resumes and cover letters attached are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and assessments.

To apply, go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs For assistance with the online application process, please contact NEOGOV (Governmentjobs.com) Customer Support toll free at: 1-877-204-4442.
UNION REPRESENTATION: This is a Non-Represented Position

WORK SCHEDULE: This position will work a 40-hour workweek. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, may be subject to change as otherwise negotiated with the successful applicant. This position is exempt under the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning that it is not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time accrual, and the incumbent will be required to work the hours necessary to meet position responsibilities.

WORK LOCATION: The work associated with this position will be performed primarily onsite at the Judge Patricia C. Clark Family Justice Center at 1211 E. Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122. A minimal amount of telecommuting will be allowed. Most of the work time will be onsite in a secured juvenile detention facility. Candidates must be willing and able to report to work at different locations for meetings and events, as when necessary. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. A valid Washington State Driver's License is required by the time of hire. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and, when working remotely, must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The person selected for this position may be required to complete a thorough background investigation process, including fingerprinting, criminal history check, and reference checks.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Questions regarding this announcement or position may be directed to: MJ Wheble, DAJD Human Resources Manager II; Phone Number 206-477-8475 or via email at Mwheble@kingcounty.gov

WHY WORK FOR KING COUNTY?
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County 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 EEO 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.



King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental,family and 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
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.