PLEASE NOTE:  If you have previously tested via PublicSafetyTesting.com and have been referred to DAJD, your application will continue to be considered.

Detention officers work in the Youth Services Detention Facility which operates on a 24-hour, 7 days per week basis. Incumbents work in a secure juvenile detention facility with youthful offenders.  They interact directly with potentially violent youths and ensure their appropriate safety, security, and care while housed at the detention facility. 

Who may apply: This recruitment is open to the general public.

Work schedule: The normal workday is eight (8) hours and positions are overtime eligible. Must be available to work varied shifts which include days, swing, graveyard, holidays, weekends and mandatory overtime. Positions are assigned to one of three work shifts as follows: 7:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.; 3:00p.m. - 11:00p.m.; or 11:00p.m. - 7:00a.m.

Union membership: Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Juvenile Detention Guild.

• Maintain visual supervision of detainees in an assigned residential unit/functional area, with special attention to their physical whereabouts, health and emotional moods.
• Monitor the movement of detainees and visitors throughout the detention facility, including admitting and releasing.
• Develop and oversee a structured program for all detainees.  This may include educational programs, groups aimed at teaching pro-social behavior, games, and other activities.
• Oversee and ensure that all detainees are fed and clothed, that all living areas are clean, and that proper hygiene and infection control practices are maintained.
• Operate electronic audio/video surveillance equipment and other life support/security systems.
• Diffuse disruptive/destructive behaviors through problem solving, crisis intervention, advice, guidance, and/or counseling to youths.
• Complete observation, incident, and investigative reports; maintain accurate records on youths.
• Order needed supplies; ensure laundry is washed.
• Search detainees/visitors as required; communicate with probation counselors, attorneys, parents, law enforcement professionals, and others concerning visitation, general access, and operational issues.
• Use appropriate physical force and restraint techniques to subdue and restrain detainees and perform interventions as required; achieve and maintain proficiency in application and use of defensive tactics and physical agility.
• Operate a motor vehicle to escort and transport juvenile detainees to courts and other facilities or institutions as required.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License or obtain one by the time of employment.
• Must be able to perform mandatory overtime.

Minimum qualifications: College degree in Law and Justice or related area OR four years of full-time work experience in a criminal justice field or interacting with at-risk youths in a social services, correctional or security oriented environment OR any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license by time of employment. NOTE: If you have failed the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention’s background investigation process within the past two years, your application will not be considered at this time.

Application and testing process: The King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention has contracted with National Testing Network to conduct a portion of our entry-level and lateral pre-employment testing for the position of Detention Officer. National Testing Network will process applications and conduct the written and physical testing. They will provide DAJD with applicant scores and DAJD Human Resources will contact qualified candidates for further processing. Complete your application at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and schedule a date to take the written and physical tests. Tests are available at frequent intervals. If you do not have access to a computer, you may

• Visit your local library to use the public access computers.
• Visit the closest Worksource location or call 1-877-0872-Jobs (1-877-872-5627). In King County there are three Worksource centers and five Worksource Affiliates in Seattle, King County. Worksource provides computers with internet access, phones, and fax machines for job search purposes.
• Pay for the time to utilize computers at a local internet café or store that provides computer rentals.

Selection process: Candidates selected for this position must submit all required forms and materials, and successfully complete each of the following:

• National Testing Network application
• Written examination conducted by National Testing Network
• Physical Ability Test conducted by National Testing Network
• Successful candidates will be contacted by DAJD to proceed to the department’s background investigation process. The DAJD Background Investigation process is a thorough and extensive process which includes, but is not limited to: Completion of an extensive Background Investigation Questionnaire, a polygraph examination, employment references check, criminal background check, psychological testing/evaluation, finger printing, and physical examination (pre-employment physical).

Post hire: Once hired, candidates must again successfully pass a physical ability test (PAT). The post-hire PAT is administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) is required for admission to the Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy. Candidates must complete the two-week Juvenile Corrections Officer Academy, a three-week orientation, six weeks assigned to a Field Training Officer, and successfully complete a one-year probationary period. The background investigation is an ongoing process and may lead to termination of employment if adverse information is obtained during employment. All candidates must be able to participate in rigorous physical training at the academy and must be able to work with inmates in physical situations. Additional details regarding the selection process are outlined below. Additional information on physical testing - Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center requirements: All Detention Officers will be required to pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) upon hire. The physical pre-qualification process will include the following components:

• Push-Ups (Complete 10 - 15 within one [1] minute)
• Sit-Ups (Complete 12 - 18 within one [1] minute)
• 1.5 Mile Run (Complete a 1.5 mile run in less than 18:17 minutes)

The physical requirement standards are gender and age neutral. The standard is set to test any person’s physical ability regardless of gender or age and all elements are completed in the same manner (i.e. all candidates complete straight-knee push-ups) Additional information regarding the WSCJTC requirements can be found at: https://fortress.wa.gov/corrections/JCOA_PAT.htm.  This website includes full details regarding the PAT, as well as information regarding how to prepare for the PAT. Individuals should consult their health care provider before beginning a physical exercise program. Questions regarding the application and selection process may be directed to DAJD Human Resources at 206-296-4114. Please learn more about this job and the Department at the DAJD website at www.kingcounty.gov/dajdjobs.