Juvenile Court Administrator

The salary for this position is: $9,543.00 - $12,725.00 monthly.

This posting is being reopened and will be open until filled with a first review date on October 15, 2025.  Applicants that previously applied may still be considered and need not re-apply.

Thurston County is seeking a progressive and innovative leader to serve as its next Juvenile Court Administrator! This position is responsible to plan, organize, and direct the efficient and effective programs and activities of the Juvenile Court Services which include juvenile probation services; juvenile detention and confinement option services; and administrative, legal support, and financial services.

The Juvenile Court Administrator reports to the Presiding Judge or designee and works under broad directives with considerable latitude for independent judgment to effectively implement the goals and decisions of the Superior Court Judges. The incumbent provides ongoing status reports of significant activities and programs and/or advises the Superior Court Judges of actions to be taken which are consistent with statutory guidelines or regulations. Court policies are reviewed by the Board of Judges for the effective management of assigned functions. This position was created under RCW 13.04.035 and is an appointed, "at-will" position that serves at the pleasure of the Board of Superior Court Judges.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as the Administrator for all of the daily operations of Juvenile Court Services under RCW 13.04.035.
• Daily oversight of the juvenile services operations; development and implementation of policies and procedures; budget development; personnel management; records management; detention management; oversight of projects, grants, and contracts; and other duties as required.
• Provides managerial leadership for selection, supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of Juvenile Court personnel.
• Proposes and designs alternatives for improved program effectiveness and efficiency for delivery of legally mandated services; and implements improvements to programs.
• Serves as a liaison between the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators and Thurston County Superior Court.
• Cultivates a positive public image and awareness of the Courts; plans and participates in community relations programs; and develops and maintains relationships with county executives, legislators, department heads, and law and justice stakeholders.
• Communicates accurately the needs of juvenile court services, progress on goals, strategies and accomplishments through effective oral presentation and documentation.
• Advises judges of governmental programs de- signed to improve the judicial system and devel- ops resources to enhance programs and ensure sustainability. Oversees grant application submissions, administration, and compliance.
• Directs the development and administration of the Juvenile Court Program’s budget based on staffing, mandated services and resource requirements, cost estimates, legal mandates and directives, revenue projections and department goals.  The position assists the Board of Judges with budget implementation.   

To view the full job classification, click here: Juvenile Court Administrator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Office setting in Tumwater, Washington.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plansfor more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• 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: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral/social sciences, law enforcement, public administration or corrections. Master's degree is preferred.  Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Seven years of administrative or managerial experience at a senior management level associated with operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive juvenile court program and five years of supervisory experience in a juvenile justice/corrections program.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.
• Must pass a Washington State Patrol background investigation.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Master's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Public Administration or other social or behavioral sciences or National Center for State Courts' Institute for Court Management FELLOW.
• Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of juvenile court programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Knowledge with principles of juvenile law, rehabilitation, probation, and social casework.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to juvenile programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate the development of budgets within a rapidly changing and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, organize tasks, set and meet deadlines, as well as plan and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. Ability to elicit cooperation, enthusiasm, solve conflicts and coordinate efforts smoothly amongst diverse participant members.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Ted Bryan at 360-709-3165 or [email protected]

This position is:

• At-Will
• Eligible for benefits
• Not represented by a union
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.