What are the responsibilities and job description for the Juvenile Detention Officer - Hourly position at Lewis County, WA?
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of detention duties on behalf of the Lewis County Juvenile Detention Center; provides for the safety, security, and care of detainees; monitors surveillance equipment and inmate wellbeing; supervises detainee activities; prepares and maintains detention records and reports; and performs other related duties as assigned.
The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in and around juvenile detention facilities; subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, physically restraining detainees, and lifting of objects up to 100 pounds; exposure to infectious diseases and combative youths and/or parents is involved.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND one (1) year experience working with youth in an organizational capacity.
Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Juvenile Correction Officer Academy, First Aid/CPR Certification, and a valid Driver’s License are required. Must successfully complete a criminal history background investigation.
COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)
Knowledge of:
Skills in:
Ability to:
Behaviors:
Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.
Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.
Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits
Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .
Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of detention duties on behalf of the Lewis County Juvenile Detention Center; provides for the safety, security, and care of detainees; monitors surveillance equipment and inmate wellbeing; supervises detainee activities; prepares and maintains detention records and reports; and performs other related duties as assigned.
The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.
- Participates in providing for the custody, safety, security, and wellbeing of juveniles detained at the County’s Juvenile Detention Center.
- Conducts security/perimeter checks and detainee head counts; monitors security cameras.
- Monitors all movement of juveniles within the Detention Center’s facilities; maintains the orderly conduct of detainees and visitors; responds to minor disturbances and/or emergency situations.
- Supervises groups of juveniles during daily recreation periods, meals, and/or other activities.
- Provides for the care of detainees including meals and healthcare; supplies juveniles with clean clothing and hygiene items; evaluates medical requests and coordinates treatment by medical providers.
- Transports detainees to medical appointments, mental health screenings, and/or other appointments.
- Transfers juveniles by County vehicle to other facilities within and/or outside of the State.
- Picks up and returns juveniles serving on work crews to correct destinations.
- Supervises the activities of juvenile and/or status offenders performing community service as assigned.
- Responds to inquiries and/or complaints from parents, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, mental health/social workers, medical providers, and the general public.
- Prepares and maintains a variety of detention records, reports, and documentation including incident reports and case file documents.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in and around juvenile detention facilities; subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, physically restraining detainees, and lifting of objects up to 100 pounds; exposure to infectious diseases and combative youths and/or parents is involved.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND one (1) year experience working with youth in an organizational capacity.
Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Juvenile Correction Officer Academy, First Aid/CPR Certification, and a valid Driver’s License are required. Must successfully complete a criminal history background investigation.
COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)
Knowledge of:
- Juvenile Detention Center operations, policies, and procedures.
- Regulations and standards governing detention center operations.
- Detainee services and standards of delivery.
- Departmental records, reports, and documentation.
- Detention equipment/vehicles and methods of operation.
Skills in:
- Coordinating and performing a variety of detention officer duties.
- Providing for the safety and security of Detention Center detainees, visitors, and staff.
- Conducting security checks and supervising/monitoring the activities of detainees.
- Preparing and maintaining a variety of detention records, reports, and documentation.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, law enforcement and probation personnel, outside agencies, service providers, juveniles, and guardians.
- Defensive tactics.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to:
- Learn and follow County policies and procedures.
Behaviors:
- Regular, reliable attendance.
Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.
Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.
Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.
Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits
Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .
Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific