Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07387

Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division: Juvenile Rehabilitation: Operations & Programs

Job classification: JUVENILE REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Social Services, Human Services, Security, Counseling

Summary

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community.

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 1 (JRC1)

Location: Yakima, WA

Closes: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Salary: $55,596.00 - $74,748.00 Yearly

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 1 to provide transitional services to young people on Community Assisted Reentry and assists with the monitoring and reentry services of young people on Parole Aftercare Supervision, in the Community Transitions Program. The focus of JR community reentry programs is successful transition and reentry for all young people returning to their communities.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

This first-level professional position operates out of a regional office and assists Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor 2s (JRC2) and Specialists in providing comprehensive case management, transition planning, and counseling and treatment referral services for an assigned caseload of young people and their families. The position assists with supervision of young people for compliance with requirements of individual parole, JR Parole Standards and Community Transition Service (CTS) agreements. It also provides transitional services to young people on Community Assisted Reentry and assists with the monitoring and reentry services of young people in the Community Transitions Program.

Some of what you will do:

• Under close supervision, may manage a limited case load of one to two young people.
• Assist JRC2’s in providing supervision and services to young people with a complex range of disorders and treatment needs, and their families.
• Assess the behavior of young persons for risk to self or community and report to JRC2 for intervention/service referral.
• Assist JRC2’s to assess behavior and monitor compliance with parole conditions and service plan through face-to-face and collateral contacts.
• Interview and obtain pertinent information related to the young person from a variety of sources and report back accurately to counselors/supervisors.
• Support and monitor the young person and their family’s participation in appropriate community services.
• Maintain professional standards and boundaries when working with young people and their families.
• Model pro-social adaptive behavior.
• Remain calm and in control during crisis/dangerous situations and intervene to de-escalate using JR approved methods and techniques.
• Transport the young person to and from service providers, resource centers, appointments, and secure facilities.
• Assist with arresting young people when required using the compliant cuffing method.

Required Qualifications:

Professionals who have a passion for mentoring youth, and one of the following combinations of experience and education:

An equivalent combination of education and experience, totaling four years.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree

OR

Two years of college education, AND two years of experience as a Juvenile Rehabilitation Security Officer 1 (JRSO1) or Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 1 (JRO1).

OR

Two years of college education, AND two years of professional experience working with at risk or justice system involved youth as a case manager; counselor; probation or parole officer; or in a social services capacity planning, directing, supervising, or facilitating interventions with at-risk or juvenile justice system youth or a related field.

AND

1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Previously demonstrated experience in or knowledge of:

1. Adolescent development and juvenile rehabilitation practices and principles.
2. Providing cognitive/behavior therapeutic interventions.
3. Trauma informed care approach.
4. Effectively communicating verbally and in writing with management, coworkers, clients and community stakeholders.
5. Relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Current resume detailing experience and education

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This position performs activities that meet the definition of counseling as defined in WAC 246-810-010 (7).

As a condition of employment, the incumbent must successfully complete the New Employee Academy (NEA) upon hire.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the DCYF Recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DSHS BHHA Strategic and Organizational Performance Manager description imageDCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

07387