Salary: $41.56 - $60.33 Hourly
Location : County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Superior/Juvenile Court Administration
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Salary: DOQ

Summary
Whatcom County Juvenile Probation seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Juvenile Detention Operations Supervisor, providing operational leadership for the County's secure juvenile detention facility while ensuring safe, secure, legally compliant, and developmentally appropriate detention services for youth in the custody of the Court.

The Juvenile Detention Operations Supervisor leads the daily operations of the detention facility by supervising Juvenile Detention Shift Supervisors and assigned personnel, coordinating resident programming and behavioral management, ensuring compliance with detention standards and applicable laws, and promoting consistent, high-quality detention practices across all shifts. This position serves as a key operational leader and may act on behalf of the Juvenile Detention Manager during assigned absences.

The Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center provides secure detention services for youth while emphasizing safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and positive youth development. The Operations Supervisor works closely with Shift Supervisors, Juvenile Court Administration, judicial officers, probation staff, law enforcement agencies, schools, behavioral health providers, treatment organizations, volunteers, contractors, families, and community partners to ensure coordinated, effective services that support successful juvenile justice outcomes.
Essential job duties include:

• Direct daily detention operations.
• Coordinate staffing and resident supervision.
• Oversee admissions, releases, classification, transportation, behavioral management, and facility-wide programming.
• Respond to emergencies and critical incidents.
• Conduct administrative investigations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws; detention standards; PREA requirements; court orders; and County policies.
• Analyze operational performance and implement process improvements.
• Oversee facility safety and operational readiness.
• Foster employee development, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement throughout detention operations.

If you are passionate about public service, employee development, and improving outcomes for justice-involved youth while leading a dedicated team of professionals, we'd love to hear from you!

Supervisor: Detention Manager
For more information, please review the
Salary Range:

• Unrepresented- Range 9

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Public Administration, Behavioral Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile detention, juvenile corrections, residential treatment, or a residential program and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Special Requirements:

• Possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• Background check must meet County criteria for security sensitive position.
• Must pass job-related tests.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

is truly special and a great place to call home!
Whatcom County offers at no cost toemployees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, public administration, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile detention, a juvenile residential program, or a closely related correctional or residential setting?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience supervising employees in a detention, correctional, residential treatment, or similar 24/7 operation?

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your experience ensuring compliance with laws, detention standards, accreditation requirements, PREA, or other regulatory requirements.
Required Question