Become a Juvenile detention officer in King County

Juvenile detention officers work at King County's youth detention facility, located in Seattle:

The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center

Working in corrections is a challenging but rewarding career. We offer job stability, security, and unique opportunities for career development, advanced training, and assignment to specialty units.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the veteran experience working for the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. 

Job description

As a juvenile detention officer, you will work with youth under the age of 18 in our secure detention facility. We provide ongoing training to help you build further knowledge and skills for a career in corrections. 

Duties as a juvenile detention officer include: 

• Providing and maintaining a safe and secure environment for juvenile offenders
• Using conflict resolution skills to teach and promote pro-social behavior
• Transporting
• Using conflict resolution skills to teach and promote pro-social behavior
• Responding to emergencies
• Working with other facilities, courts, police, and the public

The minimum licensing certifications, and other requirements are: 

• A valid Washington State Driver's license
• 21 years of age by the time of hire
• High school diploma or GED
• Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check

Applicants with corrections and/or criminal justice experience, as well as experience working with youth, are the most competitive. To learn more: 

Download the King County juvenile detention officer job description

Visit the juvenile detentions officer job listing

Benefits

King County offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. Juvenile detention officers can receive a $12,000 or $25,000 signing bonus depending on experience. Other benefits include but are not limited to: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Transportation and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid maternal, paternal, family and medical, and volunteer leave

Visit the King County benefits, payroll, and retirement page to learn more. 

Or, visit the juvenile detention officer job listing. 

How to apply

If you are interested in becoming a juvenile detention officer, we encourage you to apply. 

1. You will need to create a free account at www.GovernmentJobs.com. If you already have an account, log into your account.
2. Fill out the application. Completion of a King County employment application and a DAJD supplemental questionnaire is required. Online applications are preferred. Follow application instructions carefully. 

View the juvenile detention officer job description

Apply to become a juvenile detention officer

For more information, visit the King County jobs page.

For further assistance with the online application process, call NeoGov Customer Support toll free: 1-877-204-4442