Director of Juvenile Services
Full TimeJob Description
Overview
Make a lasting impact in the Kitsap community by transforming the lives of youth and their families. As our Director of Juvenile Services, you will lead our mission to provide compassionate, effective services that create positive change in our community. Understanding that difficult moments do not define who someone is or who they can become, our therapeutic approach to juvenile programs offers support, services, and accountability that help youth and families find a path forward.
We are looking for someone with strong leadership skills, with a genuine passion for youth development and deep empathy for those facing challenges. This role offers a unique opportunity to support a balanced approach of therapeutic services, community resources, and accountability that will continue to shape the future of our juvenile justice system.
General Description
The Juvenile Department is responsible to provide for the safety and security of children and youth as well as the community. Services provided are intended to promote positive change and resolve deficiencies that bring children, youth, and families to the attention of the court, thereby creating a safe, stable, and permanent home in which children can thrive. Through our targeted services and programs, we aim to provide opportunities for children and youth to become healthy and productive citizens in our community. Juvenile and Family Court Services falls under the Superior Court of Kitsap County, a judicial branch agency.
The Director of Juvenile Services is an appointed position, supervised by the Superior Court Judges and works closely with the bench to identify and implement best practices, policies, and program initiatives. The Director plans, organizes, and directs all operations of Juvenile and Family Court Services and provides highly responsible and complex executive level support to the Superior Court on all Juvenile service matters in the County. The incumbent works under broad directives with considerable latitude for independent judgment to effectively implement the goals and decisions of the Judges – while also providing ongoing status reports of significant activities and programs and advising the Presiding Judge of actions to be taken which are consistent with statutory guidelines or regulations.
This highly visible position demands impeccable integrity and ethical conduct. The Director must demonstrate commitment to workplace diversity and equal opportunity, leading by example for both staff and county residents.
About the Department
The Director leads a staff of around 60 employees in our various divisions/courts:
- Offender Services – Guide youth in completing court-ordered services, restitution, and community service to make amends to victims and the community. Includes Probation Services, Drug Court, Individual Treatment Court (ITC), Pre-Adjudication Court, and Girl’s Court.
- Dependency/Domestic Relations Services – Representing Children in adoption and dependency matters, conducting custody investigations, and assisting in emancipation proceedings. Includes Truancy Court, Safe Babies Court, and Family Treatment Court.
- Residential Services – Our detention facility features four specialized living units that provide a safe, supportive environment with integrated educational and mental health services. Alternatives to detention services for lower-risk offenders offer community service work as an alternative to secure detention.
- Administrative Services – Provides services to facilitate and support the work of all the programs of the Juvenile Department, and is the first line of contact with youth, families, victims, and the community. Staff manage budgets, grants, warrant processing, background checks, program analysis and reporting, and management of the volunteer program.
Essential Job Functions
- Oversee departmental budget planning and resource management, including securing grants and developing service agreements to support innovative juvenile justice programs.
- Direct department operations and manage resources to achieve goals within budgeted funds and personnel.
- Lead and direct comprehensive Juvenile and Family Court Services, managing probation, detention, and support services while ensuring efficient use of resources and facilities.
- Develop, plan, and direct daily operations and long-term plans, goals, and objectives and from those establish directives, priorities, and performance standards.
- Establish strategic direction through clear goals and performance standards, while providing coaching and professional development opportunities to help staff excel.
- Foster a highly competent, service-oriented team through thoughtful recruitment, training, and management practices that align with the County’s mission and values.
- Promote technological advancement and process improvement initiatives to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
- Build strong community relationships and ensure exceptional public service, managing sensitive inquiries and representing the department with professionalism.
- Participate on the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the Kitsap County Human Trafficking Task Force.
- Represent the department and County services in the community and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement, schools, and social service agencies.
- Stay current with juvenile justice legislation and policy changes, its impact on securing funding and public policy assistance to ensure the long-term future of juvenile services.
- Determine impacts of legislative changes on departmental policies and operations.
- Provide strategic guidance to judges and coordinating with community stakeholders to enhance services.
- Review, maintain, and direct standards and policies for supervision of detainees, nutritional compliance, access to medical and mental health services, and standards of occupancy for detention, administration, and educational programs.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree or higher in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Public Administration or other social or behavioral sciences; or closely related field. Equivalent combinations of relevant experience and education in the field of juvenile justice which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the work may be considered in lieu of the educational requirements.
- Five years of progressively responsible professional level experience in the juvenile justice system, including at least three years of supervisory and managerial responsibilities is required.
Ideal candidate profile
- Must pass a Washington State Patrol background investigation.
- Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, the ability to function as an innovative manager who builds a motivated workforce and seek new ways to operate through strategic planning aligned with the County’s and Juvenile Department’s mission, vision and goals.
- Demonstrates strong budget preparation and management skills, and experience in expenditure control.
- Skills to develop partnerships in the community and knowledge of the unique dynamics involved in local public sector government.
- Familiar with the state legislative process, its impact on securing funding and public policy assistance to ensure the long-term future of Juvenile services.
- Ability to elicit cooperation, enthusiasm, solve conflicts and coordinate efforts smoothly amongst diverse participant members.
- Knowledge and experience working with unions and collective bargaining agreements.
- Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of juvenile court programs, policies, and operational needs.
- Knowledge with principles of juvenile law, rehabilitation, probation, and social casework.
- Administrative or managerial experience at a senior management level associated with operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive juvenile court program.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate the development of budgets within a rapidly changing and dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, organize tasks, set and meet deadlines, as well as plan and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex professional and administrative issues and make sound recommendations.
- Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to juvenile programs.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Juvenile Department’s 2025 adopted budget of $9,518,989 represents a 12% increase from 2024. Budget forecasts for upcoming years anticipate budget cuts for all county offices and departments. The new Director will be faced with the challenge of continuing to provide quality youth and family services within the more restrictive budget parameters.
Working Conditions
Work is generally performed in an office/court/detention environment(s) and requires the individual to efficiently operate a personal computer. Travel to various sites is necessary, which will include in state and out of state travel. Physical hazards from incarcerated youth and/or upset parents may be present. Incumbent is required to work non-standard hours which will include extended workdays, attending early morning and evening meetings, weekends and holidays. The incumbent is required to be on-call for emergency situations twenty-four (24) hours, seven (7) days per week. The Juvenile Court Administrator is frequently required to provide emergency intervention at irregular hours. Employees in this department are considered “essential employees” and are expected to report to duty on time and remain at work until the end of the scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared.
About Kitsap County
Kitsap County offers the best of Pacific Northwest living with easy access to urban amenities. Connected to Seattle by a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound, our community enjoys the perfect balance of small-town charm and regional opportunities.
With over 200 miles of saltwater shoreline, Kitsap County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Our landscape features everything from hidden coves and sandy beaches to lush forests and mountain trails. Residents enjoy year-round recreation including hiking, kayaking, sailing, and cycling. Our numerous parks and public spaces provide endless opportunities for family activities and outdoor adventures.
The Kitsap County Department of Juvenile Services is housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Port Orchard, WA. This modern complex provides a safe, healthy environment for staff, youth, families, and court services.
Share
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr
Whatsapp
VK
Mail