Juvenile Operations Specialist

Summary

This is a full-time, term limited temporary/special duty assignment position lasting up to 18 months. The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Applications received by July 17, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. will have first consideration.

The Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Juvenile Operations Specialist (PPM III) vacancy at the Judge Patricia H.

Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle with the Juvenile Division.

This is a term-limited/special duty assignment position expected to last up to 18 months; however, the exact duration may end earlier or be extended based on operational needs.

This position provides support to the DAJD Juvenile Division Chief of Operations on issues within the secured detention facility, including emergency plan management, policy implementation, ensuring compliance with security audit recommendations, and supervising staff.

This position collects and responds to detainee grievances, collects and reviews staff reports, conducts facility level investigations, investigates incident reports, analyzes data to look for trends and make recommendations for improvements, and manages special products.

The Juvenile Division is responsible for the care and custody of youth who are detained in the Juvenile Detention Facility.

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.

While King County has significantly reduced the number of youths 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to join King County government and play an essential role in supporting the in our vision to provide the best in trauma-informed care in a juvenile detention facility.

Click here to find more about the type of important work you will be supporting at the King County DAJD Juvenile Division.

DAJD is striving to provide in custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve.

The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies.

This recruitment will be used to fill the current TLT/SDA vacancy, as well as create an eligibility list which may be used to fill future Project/Program Manager vacancies, including career service and TLT/SDA within the Juvenile Division for up to 24 months.

Job Duties

The job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.

It is not an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of this position.

This position supports the Chief of Operations and other members of the Division Senior Management Team with a combination of planning, supervising, and coordination of work specific to the operational needs of the Juvenile Division.

Support Chief of Operations and other members of the Division Senior Management Team in developing the Division's operation plan, including creating performance indicators and outcome measures.

Plan, initiate and facilitate various operations meetings to obtain input and develop action plans to resolve problems in response to security audit reports, staff reports and division grievances, as directed by the Chief of Operations.

Administer and oversee contracts and agreements; ensure that facilities meet safety and regulatory requirements.

Ensure all emergency plans such as group disturbances, earthquake, and escape plans, are maintained; and coordinate with training programs to ensure staff receive up to date training on emergency plans, as needed.

Analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; develop and implement policies and procedures; interpret and explain orders, policies, practices and procedures, and other operational and programmatic information to subordinate personnel.

Conduct or oversee special departmental investigations involving department personnel; respond to complaints filed against staffs; work closely with the internal investigations' unit and their investigations, as directed by Chief of Operations or Division Director.

Review and respond appropriately to youth grievances, addressing staffing or safety issues.
Oversee work performed by various teams on projects; may assign work to other staff. Coordinate work done by project team(s). Resolve team or unit disputes. Provide leadership to project team(s). Coordinate review/comment processes related to project or program.
Oversee the performance evaluation process and professional development plans for operational subordinate personnel, as necessary.

Participate both qualitative and quantitative analyses of existing division processes related to appropriate staffing models, provide recommendations on the determination of shift, furlough, and duty station assignments.

Communicate effectively to internal and external audiences as an authoritative representative of division leadership on a variety of issues related to juvenile division priorities for the purpose of shaping policy and practice, advocating controversial positions, and achieving important juvenile division objectives.

Handle politically sensitive inquiries about the program or work being done. Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints. Work with community coalitions on behalf of the division, as directed by the Chief of Operations or Division Director.
Ensure and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in all forms (verbal, written and electronic).
Perform other duties as assigned within scope and area of responsibility.
Perform related duties as assigned and act on behalf of the Division Chief of Operations in their absence.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

To be considered minimally qualified for this role, you must have:
Currently or able to obtain by time of hire a valid Washington State Driver's License.
Minimum of four (4) years professional experience working in a juvenile detention facility or correctional facility.
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business or other social science field from an accredited college or university; OR

An equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work.

Additionally, you must demonstrate evidence of:

The ability to build and foster collaborative relationships across several levels of personnel and stakeholders, both internal and external to the department.

The ability to foresee problems and be proactive in dealing with anticipated challenges.

The ability to make decisions based on department policies, procedures and in accordance with industry standards and best practices and be accountable for the decisions made.

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to respond to respond appropriately to youth grievances, addressing staffing or safety issues.

The ability to provide direction and leadership to work groups and project teams, distill complex information to inform decision-making, work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and build consensus among people with varying opinions.

Being a culturally competent professional who actively attempts to understand the worldview of culturally diverse populations, advocates on behalf of the needs of others, and acts in the workplace to create a culture of respect and dignity.

This includes qualities that reflect genuineness, empathy, and a capacity to adapt to a range of possible situation.

Must have an acceptance of cultural differences between people, and possess an explicit understanding of personal values, stereotypes, and biases about their own and others' culture.

Proficient in managing, organizing, and prioritizing work; ability to work on several projects simultaneously, adapt to changes in workload demands, muti-task and follow through to complete work with minimal oversight to meet demands.

The most competitive candidates will have the following:
Four (4) years or more of broad-based progressive managerial experience in a detention/correction setting.
Demonstrated experience with emergency management, policy development and implementation, safety and security audits in a detention/correctional setting.
Demonstrated experience with handling grievances within a unionized environment.
A master's degree or PH. D. in criminal justice, public administration, business or other social science field from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge and understanding of juvenile justice best practices and Restorative Justice practices programs and goals.

Supplemental Information

WHO MAY APPLY:
This employment opportunity is open to all King County employees and the general public who meet the qualifications. Internal consideration will be given to current DAJD and King County employees. Veterans Preference candidates will be asked to provide a DD-214 during the hiring process.

HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The following items are REQUIRED to be considered for this opportunity:

Completion of the entire online King County application including education history, work history, position duties, and answers to the supplemental questions
Resume
Cover Letter-detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Application submittals without resumes and cover letters attached are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

The selection process may include but is not limited to:
evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and assessments

To apply, go to:
For assistance with the online application process, please contact NEOGOV ) Customer Support toll free at:

UNION MEMBERSHIP:
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement

WORK SCHEDULE:
This position will work a 40-hour workweek. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, may be subject to change as otherwise negotiated with the successful applicant.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning that it is not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time accrual, and the incumbent will be required to work the hours necessary to meet position responsibilities.

WORK LOCATION:
The work associated with this position will be performed primarily onsite at the Judge Patricia C. Clark Family Justice Center at 1211 E. Alder Street, Seattle, WA A minimal amount of telecommuting will be allowed. Most of the work time will be onsite in a secured juvenile detention facility.

Candidates must be willing and able to report to work at different locations for meetings and events, as when necessary Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

A valid Washington State Driver's License is required by the time of hire.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and, when working remotely, must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Term Limited Temporary & Special Duty Assignments:

This position is scheduled up to 18 months; however, the exact duration may end earlier or be extended based on operational needs.

Rate of pay will be in accordance with applicable bargaining agreements and/or Career Service Guidelines.

Special Duty Assignments do not confer any privilege, right of appeal, or right of position, transfer, demotion, promotion or reinstatement, and can be revoked at any time with or without cause.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The person selected for this position may be required to complete a thorough background investigation process, including fingerprinting, criminal history check, and reference checks

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:

Questions regarding this announcement or position may be directed to: Jennifer Eugene, DAJD Human Resources Analyst; Phone Number or via email at Applicants should be aware that King County is dedicated to expanding community-based alternatives to youth detention and has a goal to ultimately close the youth detention center when those alternatives are in place.

DAJD and the County are committed to supporting Juvenile Division staff during this process and helping them with their future career paths.

Learn more about the process here. Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

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