Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem

Pierce County

  • Tacoma, WA
  • $38.64-48.97 per hour
  • Temporary
  • Part-time
  • 9 days ago
DescriptionPosition SummaryWhy 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: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 . 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.QualificationsQualifications:
  • 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.
Supplemental InformationTo 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) 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?We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.Our benefits:Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 DaysA maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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.Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.

Pierce County