Juvenile Counselor I

The Department of Juvenile Services is looking for a full- time Juvenile Counselor II to join our Harkins House team!

As a Juvenile Counselor I at Harkins House, you will be working directly with youth in our care in order to increase their ability to be successful in their communities. This position includes direct care through supervision and monitoring youth behavior, skill building, running groups for youth, taking youth on outings, maintaining a safe milieu environment, timely and accurate documentation, and working as part of a close knit team.

Harkins House is a 24/7 residential program in Washington County serving youth between the ages of 12-18 who are involved with the juvenile justice system. As a Juvenile Counselor I, you will have an opportunity to help make a difference for adolescents and their families through direct care work with youth in the program. We are looking for candidates who are team players and willing and able to support the youth, their families, and the Harkins House team in teaching youth skills they need for a successful return to the community. Harkins House is a fast paced environment, so having an ability to manage stress, prioritize duties, and focus on improving the lives of the youth in our care is essential. We work to maintain and promote a positive work culture and welcome individuals who share in our mission.

An ideal candidate will:

• be able to work with youth who display oppositional and defiant behaviors and to guide them in pro-social decision making.
• communicate well with coworkers and work well within a fast paced team environment
• problem solve and remain calm in stressful situations.
• be flexible and open to change.
• understand of Trauma Informed Care practices and other evidenced-based strategies when working with youth.
• be able to prepare accurate reports under specific timelines and to have excellent time management and organizational skills.
• have a growth mindset and accept constructive feedback.
• be willing to work holidays.

To review the complete classification and list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, click here: Juvenile Counselor I

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND completion of a one-year practicum OR one (1) year of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR
• Associate's degree in criminal justice, counseling, psychology, sociology, social work, or field applicable to the practice of juvenile justice; AND three (3) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families; OR
• Five (5) years of supervised work experience in the counseling of juveniles and families.

ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.
• Must pass a comprehensive a background check
• CPR Certified within 6 months of hire.
• Some positions may require the ability to lift, push, pull, move up to 35 lbs.

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Selection Process:

2. Minimum Qualifications (MQ) Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be applied depending on the number of applications received. The timeframe to review will be the week of November 23, 2025.

3. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Your responses may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). This process will begin the week of November 30, 2025 and may take up to 2 weeks.

4. Panel Interviews: Generally, the top 6 - 8 candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

5. Conditional Offer: The top candidate will be required to successfully clear a third-party background check and driving check as pre-employment conditions.

Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Veterans' Preference:
If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail at: Careers@washingtoncountyor.govat least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via e-mail. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" of e-mail notification from notices in NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.

Questions (?) Regarding This Recruitment
Gregory Garabedian, Talent Acquisition Business Partner
Gregory_Garabedian@washingtoncountyor.gov

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