Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem

Why this is a great opportunity:

As a family-centric youth advocate (Guardian ad Litem), you will ensure that young people and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout the court process. You will inform the court and advocate for resources, provide guidance, and champion their best interests in and out of court.

You will join an exceptional, values-driven team that is innovative, compassionate, and committed to systemic change. Together, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the possibility of transformation—for people, families, and the justice system itself.
  
Watch this short video highlighting the transformative work of Pierce County Juvenile Court: Best for Babies Program/Baby Court | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)
 
How to be successful in the role:

We are looking for a critical thinker and strong advocate who:

• Sees challenges as opportunities and takes pride in proactively making systems work better for families.
• Builds trust and resolves conflict with families, court partners, and community providers.
• Brings a compassionate, strength-based, trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally humble approach to challenging bias, advancing equity, and supporting positive outcomes for families. 
• Thrives in navigating complexity, uncertainty, and conflict.
• Manages high volumes of communication with clarity and persistence.
• Stays resilient and prioritizes self-care in the face of secondary trauma.
• Embraces personal growth as essential to supporting others in theirs. Remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a system that is in constant flux. 

Your future in the role:
This position offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You will gain experience across child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, legal advocacy and community resources. Your work will directly address systemic issues such as poverty, substance use, and inequities—and help shape a justice system that prioritizes healing and humanity.
 

Core daily responsibilities:

Your primary responsibility is to represent the best interests of young people in dependency court as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and make a powerful contribution the safety and well-being of young people and families in our community.   In this role you will:

• Ensure every family and young person are well-informed throughout their court interactions and receive the resources and support they need for success.
• Meet with young people and families in their homes, schools, and communities. Build relationships with all involved parties.
• Gather fact-based information to make informed recommendations, advocate for the needs of young people and their families and ensure the court has all relevant information needed to make well informed decisions. 
• Participate in the court process that includes writing court reports, filing/responding to motions, and testifying in trials and hearings.
• Advocate outside of court to ensure that the system and community are meeting the needs of young people and families.
• Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to create a lasting support network for young people and their families.
• Stay up to date on trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, hope science, motivational interviewing, poverty, racism, and bias, and engage in ongoing training and certification. Participate in the Peacemaking Circle process.
• Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and follow the GAL rules of conduct.

This multifaceted role requires both legal advocacy and family engagement to ensure the long-term well-being of the young people and families we serve.
 
A classification description with more detail can be found here. The Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 role at PCJC serves multiple functions, with this specific opening in the Dependency department. In this position, you will advocate for young people who are alleged to be abused or neglected, serving as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL). Your responsibilities may also include supervising, recruiting, and training volunteers for the department's volunteer program.

Qualifications: 

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field AND
• One or more years’ experience in a related field. 
• Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.

Special Requirements: 

• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.

• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment. 

To be considered for this opportunity please:
 
1) Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:  www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.

2) REQUIRED - Upload a cover letter.  
 
3) Attach the following documents to your online application:   

• College transcripts or college diploma
• Other documents which you feel would facilitate this process or assist us in determining your suitability for the position.  Examples:  job performance evaluations, awards, certificates, decorations, etc.

Other Important Information:

• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any Work Source location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  
• Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing
• The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information.   Be prepared to spend an hour or two entering the required information.  It may be helpful to you if you print the announcement, gather the information, then enter the information.
• In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.   Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?

Salary : $39 - $49