Juvenile Detention Officer
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Law Enforcement / Security
Posted on May 1, 2019
- Summary
- Newly hired Juvenile Detention Officers may be eligible for hiring incentives up to $5,000*
Qualified lateral Juvenile Detention Officers may be eligible for hiring incentives up to $10,000*
*Hiring incentives are subject to change without notice and are only available until funding is exhausted which may occur at any time.
About the position:
Juvenile Detention Officers (JDOs) work in a secure juvenile detention facility with male and female detainees under 18 years of age. JDOs interact directly with juveniles with the focus on managing behavior by the least restrictive means, utilizing coaching and conflict resolution skills to teach and promote pro-social behavior among the juveniles. JDOs are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, secure environment for juveniles and ensuring that their care and programming needs are met.
The Juvenile Division of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is responsible for the care and custody of youth who are detained in the Juvenile Detention Facility and also operates King County's Alternatives to Secure Detention (ASD) programs. The Juvenile Division is committed to a philosophy of balanced and restorative justice, moving from a system that criminalizes vulnerable youth to one that supports them in leading safe, productive lives. Joining DAJD's Juvenile Detention provides the unique opportunity to join a department during the height of systemic transformation. The Juvenile Division incorporates the principles of restorative justice by promoting communication skills, empathy and other opportunities for personal growth. Youth also learn team building skills and are exposed to new ideas, career opportunities, and self-awareness through various program offered within the facility.
Our focus is on ensuring that there are alternatives to secure detention and community based services for eligible youth. While King County has significantly reduced the number of youth detained in our facility and continues to develop alternative programs to further reduce the reliance on detention, youth who are detained in our secure detention facility are managed in a manner consistent with national best practices in juvenile justice.
About the department:
DAJD is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies. DAJD's mission is to contribute to the public safety of the citizens of King County and Washington State by operating safe, secure, and humane detention facilities and community corrections programs, in an innovative and cost-effective manner. DAJD is committed to its employees' professional development and encourages JDOs to pursue further education. DAJD may reimburse tuition and associated expenses for classes taken while employed with DAJD related to the field of criminal justice.
King County DAJD is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. DAJD encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. DAJD values diversity and is committed to making appropriate accommodations as needed to support diversity as we believe that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.
Our Ideal Candidate will embody the following competencies:- Decision Quality: Make good decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment
- Managing Diversity: Manage all kinds and classes of people equitably, deal effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, and both sexes
- Integrity and Trust: Be widely trusted. Be seen as a direct and truthful individual. Present the truth in an appropriate and helpful manner
- Ethics and Values: Adhere to appropriate and effective set of core values in both good and bad times
- Conflict Management: Read situations quickly; can find common ground and get cooperation with minimum noise
- Composure: Perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical or dangerous situations; handle multiple activities simultaneously; exercise good judgment under stressful circumstances
- Compassion: Demonstrate real empathy with the joys and pains of others
- Listening: Practice attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out
- Patience: Tolerant with people and processes; try to understand the people and the data before making judgments and acting; follow established process
Scope of Job Duties:
In order to be considered for this opportunity, applicants will demonstrate skill and ability to:- Provide safe and secure custody of juveniles and ensure that their constitutional and other rights are upheld through ensuring access to health and mental health services, attending educational, gym and library services, serving meals and snacks, maintaining proper living standards and health habits by instructing juveniles in housekeeping, sanitation responsibilities, and personal hygiene
- Monitor and document the movement and location of all juveniles at all times, complete reports regarding incidents and violations of DAJD policy and procedures, and operate electronic audio/video surveillance equipment
- Create a firm, fair and consistent environment which models pro-social behaviors for juveniles and supports them in changing behaviors and patterns to achieve positive goals.
- Provide educational and/or recreational structured programming which includes both overseeing a program performed by volunteers/contractors and directly providing programs and groups aimed at teaching pro-social behavior, games, and other activities
- Pay special attention to individual considerations, such as mental health, emotional needs, gender identity, cultural or ethnic requirements, etc.
- Manage behavior and diffuse disruptive behaviors through problem solving, crisis intervention, and/or counseling
- Use appropriate physical defensive interventions and restraint techniques to subdue and restrain juveniles as necessary and in accordance with local, state and federal law; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive interventions and physical agility.
- Conduct inspections of facility, juveniles, visitors and packages delivered to the facility, as well as conduct searches related to safety and security to include but not limited to vehicles, facilities, property and person for contraband, health hazards, safety and security violations.
- Must be physically able to run, sit, climb stairs, and perform physical defensive tactics.
- Must be able to perform mandatory overtime
- Operate a motor vehicle to transport juveniles.
Minimum qualifications:- High school diploma or equivalent and 3-years demonstrated experience working or volunteering with youth in a detention, non secure, or rehabilitative environment; or
- Associate's degree and 2-years demonstrated experience working or volunteering with youth; or
- Bachelor's degree in any field of study and at least 1-year demonstrated experience working or volunteering with youth; or
- Bachelor's degree in: Criminal Justice, Law and Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related area of study;
- Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license by time of employment.
Most competitive: Bachelors' degree in: Criminal Justice, Law and Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related area of study and 1-year full time experience working with youth or juveniles in a correctional or security oriented environment.
Demonstrated/related work experience must be detailed in the job application. Examples of work with youth may include, but is not limited to:- Probation or Community Corrections,
- Mentoring programs,
- Coaching or teaching,
- Recreation or after school programs, or
- Any programs where the mission is for progressive transformation and focus is on youth with behavior problems.
Details regarding the position:
This position is open to all eligible King County employees and the general public. This is a 40-hour per week, overtime eligible position. The normal workday is eight (8) hours, including paid meal break. DAJD is currently accepting applications to fill current vacancies and create an eligibility list for vacancies in the future.
The Juvenile Detention facility is located at 1211 East Alder Ave, Seattle, WA and operational 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Incumbents must be available to work varied shifts which include days, swing, graveyard, holidays, weekends and mandatory overtime. Assignments and schedules are based on the department's staffing needs and subject to bargaining unit bid processes which are seniority based.
Questions regarding this position or the selection process may be directed to Ayana Hawk at 206-477-2720 or Ayana.Hawk@kingcounty.gov. More information about this job and the department can be found on the DAJD website at www.kingcounty.gov/dajdjobs.
How to apply: Completion of a King County employment application and DAJD supplemental questionnaire is required. Resumes or letter of interest alone will not substitute for full application. Online applications are preferred. To apply, go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. For assistance with the online application process, please contact NeoGov Customer Support toll free at: 1-877-204-4442 or Governmentjobs.com.
- Supplemental Information
Selection process: Incumbents selected for this position must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:
- King County application for employment. Once the applications are screen, incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to precede to the next phase.
- Written examination
- Physical Ability Test
- Successful incumbents will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department's background investigation process. The DAJD background investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes, but is not limited to: completion of finger-prints, extensive Background Investigation Questionnaire to include personal reference check, employment references check, criminal background check, polygraph examination, psychological testing/evaluation, interview and physical examination (pre-employment physical).
Veterans Preference: Candidates requesting Veterans' preference must submit a copy of their DD214 form, via email, to Ayana.Hawk@kingcounty.gov to determine eligibility. Veterans' preference will be applied as applicable.
Additional information on Physical Testing - Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center requirements: All Juvenile JDOs will be required to pass the Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.) upon hire. The physical pre-qualification process will be the same as those noted directly below.
Testing information:- Push-Ups: 10 minimum to 15 for maximum points, no time limit
- Sit-Ups: 12 minimum up to 18 for maximum points, one minute time limit
- 1.5 Mile Run: Complete a mile run in 16:17 minutes for maximum points; over 18:17 is a failure
The physical requirement standards are gender and age neutral. The standard is set to test any person's physical ability regardless of gender or age and all elements are completed in the same manner (i.e., all candidates complete straight-knee push-ups) Additional information regarding the WSCJTC requirements can be found at: https://fortress.wa.gov/cjtc/www/. This website includes full details regarding the PAT, as well as information regarding how to prepare for the PAT. Individuals should consult with their health care provider before beginning a physical exercise program.
Post hire: Once hired, incumbent must successfully pass a physical ability test (PAT). The post-hire PAT is administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) which is required for admission to the Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy. Candidates must complete a three week orientation period, a two-week Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy, four weeks participating in Field Training Officer program, and successful completion of a one-year probationary period. The background investigation is an ongoing process and may lead to termination of employment if adverse information is obtained during employment. All candidates must be able to participate in rigorous physical training at the academy and must be able to work with juvenile detainees in physical situations throughout employment.
If you have failed the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention's background investigation process within the past two years, your application will not be considered at this time.
Translation services are available to applicants, if needed. King County is committed to Affirmative Action/ Equal Employment Opportunities.
Union membership: Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Juvenile Detention Guild.
PREA Notification: The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:- Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution;
- Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or,
- Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.
The above is in compliance with PREA and its implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 115, Subpart A, Section 115.17, Hiring and Promotion Decisions.
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:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- 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: King County employees are eligible to 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
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
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. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
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.
-
01Have you undergone the background investigation process for employment with the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention within the last two years?
- Yes
- No
02If yes, please specify the approximate date(s) and position(s) for which you previously went through the department's background process.03How did you hear about this position?- King Coutny Jobs Website
- indeed.com,Word of Mouth
- Word of Mouth
- Theatre Advertising
- Corrections/Jail Association Advertisement ,Career Fair
- Career Fair
04Were you referred by a current Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention employee to this job posting? If yes, please provide employee's full name. If no, type none.05Are you currently or have you in the past participated in volunteer activities within a King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention facility (Maleng Regional Justice Center, King County Correctional Facility or King County's Juvenile Detention facility)?- Yes
- No
06What is your highest level of education?- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Associates' Degree
- Bachelors' Degree, or higher (in any field of study)
- Bachelors' Degree, or higher (in Criminal Justice, Law and Justice or reltaed area of study, or Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related social science area of study)
07Indicate how many years of demonstrated experience you have working or volunteering with youth in a detention, non-secure, or rehabilitative environment.- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year but less than 2 years
- At least 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years or more
08Indicate how many years of demonstrated experience you have working or volunteering with youth? Demonstrated/related work experience must be detailed in the job application. Examples of work with youth may include, but is not limited to: Probation or Community Corrections, Mentoring Programs, Coaching or teaching, Recreation or after school programs, Any programs where the mission is for progressive transformation and focus is on youth with behavior problems.- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years or more
09Have you completed the Washington State Training Commission's Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy or equivalent state certified academy?- Yes
- No
10If you have completed the Washington State Training Commission's Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy or equivalent state certified academy, please provide the date of graduation and indicate the name and address of the facility where you earned the certificate.11Do you possess a valid driver's license and/or can you obtain a Washington State driver's license by the date of employment?- Yes
- No
12Will you be age 21 years old or older by the date this announcement closes?- Yes
- No
13Detention Officer candidates must pass a physical ability test (PAT) administered at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center. The PAT requirement includes the ability to do 10 push-ups, 12 sit ups within one minute, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Candidate will also be required to successfully complete a pre-qualification based on the described PAT before proceeding to the background investigation process. Are you able to meet the PAT requirements as described above?- Yes
- No
14If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing and available to work at any hours/shift, including days, swing, graveyard, weekends and holidays?- Yes
- No
15If required for the position you are seeking, are you willing to work mandatory overtime?- Yes
- No
16All candidates for employment with DAJD must undergo a thorough background investigation process. This process includes a polygraph examination, investigation for criminal activity, traffic records, conviction records, employment and education history, character and reputation in the community, etc. Selected positions may also require psychological testing and evaluation, and a pre-employment general medical physical. Applicants may be rejected for criminal behavior, drug use, or any indications in the areas listed in the “Background Investigation Screening” questionnaire. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation process as described above?- Yes
- No
17The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. Employees of the department are prohibited from using illegal drugs, and marijuana. Should you be hired by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, you acknowledge that you will adhere to the department's policies and rules regarding drug use.- Yes
- No
18PLEASE NOTE: A "yes" response to any of the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration. Responses will be confirmed and verified in the course of the department's background investigation process. Do you understand that a "yes" response to the remaining questions may automatically disqualify you from further consideration?- Yes
- No
19In the last 5 years, have you illegally bought, sold, offered to sell, possessed, cultivated, or transported marijuana?- Yes
- No
20In the last 3 years, have you been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (alcohol or drugs) or Boating Under the Influence?- Yes
- No
21In the last 3 years, have you been convicted of domestic violence or a related offense involving physical violence? This includes having a court order or violating a court order that restrains you from harassing, stalking, or threatening any person; or engaging in other conduct that would place any person in reasonable fear of bodily injury.- Yes
- No
22In the last 5 years, have you bought, sold, offered to sell, possessed, transported, manufactured, delivered or possessed with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance? For purposes of this question, illegal drugs/narcotics/controlled substances includes, but is not limited to, the following: • Cocaine or crack • Club drugs – Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol or MDMA • Hallucinogens – PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin • Opiates – Opium, Morphine or Heroin • Stimulants – Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine • Aerosols – Huffing paint or Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat- Yes
- No
23In the last 5 years, have you illegally used any other controlled substance or other illegal drugs/narcotics? For purposes of this question, illegal drugs/narcotics/controlled substances include, but is not limited to, the following: Cocaine or Crack · Club drugs: Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA · Hallucinogens: PCP, Angel dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms or Psilocybin · Opiates: Opium, Morphine or Heroin · Stimulants: Methamphetamines, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass or Amphetamine · Aerosols: Huffing paint, Nitrous Oxide (Whippits), or Khat- Yes
- No
24Have you ever been disciplined for sexual, racial or other harassment or discrimination or left employment prior to the outcome of an investigation related to alleged harassment or discrimination by you?- Yes
- No
25If former military, did you receive any discharge other than "Honorable"? If yes, please contact the HR Representative handling this recruitment for information regarding required additional information.- Yes
- No
26Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards require that the department consider any incidents of sexual harassment involving an inmate or detainee in determining whether or not to hire or promote anyone. Further, PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault. Do you understand the PREA requirements as stated in this announcement and understand that these standards will be considered as part of the selection process?- Yes
- No
27Have you ever been involved in any incidences of sexual harassment involving an inmate or detainee?- Yes
- No
28Have you ever had any intimate contact with inmate(s), former inmate(s), or detained individuals while employed with a criminal justice agency?- Yes
- No
29Have you ever been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in a sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?- Yes
- No
30Have you ever been engaged in, or been convicted of, sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution?- Yes
- No
31Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above (questions 27 and 28)?- Yes
- No
Required Question