Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 - Title 13 Guardian ad Litem
Pierce County, Tacoma, WA, United States
Why this is a great opportunity
As a family-centric youth advocate (Guardian ad Litem), you will ensure that young people and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout the court process. You will inform the court and advocate for resources, provide guidance, and champion their best interests in and out of court. You will join an exceptional, values-driven team that is innovative, compassionate, and committed to systemic change. Together we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the possibility of transformation—for people, families, and the justice system itself.
How to be successful in the role
Sees challenges as opportunities and takes pride in proactively making systems work better for families.
Builds trust and resolves conflict with families, court partners, and community providers.
Brings a compassionate, strength‑based, trauma‑informed, anti‑racist, and culturally humble approach to challenging bias, advancing equity, and supporting positive outcomes for families.
Thrives in navigating complexity, uncertainty, and conflict.
Manages high volumes of communication with clarity and persistence.
Stays resilient and prioritizes self‑care in the face of secondary trauma.
Embraces personal growth as essential to supporting others in theirs and remains adaptable in a constantly fluxing system.
Your future in the role
This position offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You will gain experience across child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, legal advocacy and community resources. Your work will directly address systemic issues such as poverty, substance use, and inequities—and help shape a justice system that prioritizes healing and humanity.
Core daily responsibilities
Your primary responsibility is to represent the
best interests of young people in dependency court
as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and make a powerful contribution to the safety and well‑being of young people and families in our community.
Ensure every family and young person are well‑informed throughout their court interactions and receive the resources and support they need for success.
Meet with young people and families in their homes, schools, and communities. Build relationships with all involved parties.
Gather fact‑based information to make informed recommendations, advocate for the needs of young people and their families and ensure the court has all relevant information needed to make well‑informed decisions.
Participate in the court process that includes writing court reports, filing/responding to motions, and testifying in trials and hearings.
Advocate outside of court to ensure that the system and community are meeting the needs of young people and families.
Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to create a lasting support network for young people and their families.
Stay up to date on trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, hope science, motivational interviewing, poverty, racism, and bias, and engage in ongoing training and certification. Participate in the Peacemaking Circle process.
Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and follow the GAL rules of conduct.
This multifaceted role requires both legal advocacy and family engagement to ensure the long‑term well‑being of the young people and families we serve.
This position is part of the Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 role in the Dependency department at Pierce County Juvenile Court.
Qualifications
Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field AND one or more years’ experience in a related field.
Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.
Special Requirements
A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.
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As a family-centric youth advocate (Guardian ad Litem), you will ensure that young people and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout the court process. You will inform the court and advocate for resources, provide guidance, and champion their best interests in and out of court. You will join an exceptional, values-driven team that is innovative, compassionate, and committed to systemic change. Together we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the possibility of transformation—for people, families, and the justice system itself.
How to be successful in the role
Sees challenges as opportunities and takes pride in proactively making systems work better for families.
Builds trust and resolves conflict with families, court partners, and community providers.
Brings a compassionate, strength‑based, trauma‑informed, anti‑racist, and culturally humble approach to challenging bias, advancing equity, and supporting positive outcomes for families.
Thrives in navigating complexity, uncertainty, and conflict.
Manages high volumes of communication with clarity and persistence.
Stays resilient and prioritizes self‑care in the face of secondary trauma.
Embraces personal growth as essential to supporting others in theirs and remains adaptable in a constantly fluxing system.
Your future in the role
This position offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth. You will gain experience across child welfare, education, youth development, mental health, legal advocacy and community resources. Your work will directly address systemic issues such as poverty, substance use, and inequities—and help shape a justice system that prioritizes healing and humanity.
Core daily responsibilities
Your primary responsibility is to represent the
best interests of young people in dependency court
as a Title 13 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and make a powerful contribution to the safety and well‑being of young people and families in our community.
Ensure every family and young person are well‑informed throughout their court interactions and receive the resources and support they need for success.
Meet with young people and families in their homes, schools, and communities. Build relationships with all involved parties.
Gather fact‑based information to make informed recommendations, advocate for the needs of young people and their families and ensure the court has all relevant information needed to make well‑informed decisions.
Participate in the court process that includes writing court reports, filing/responding to motions, and testifying in trials and hearings.
Advocate outside of court to ensure that the system and community are meeting the needs of young people and families.
Collaborate with parents, service providers, agencies, and other support systems to create a lasting support network for young people and their families.
Stay up to date on trends in child welfare, mental health, substance use disorders, hope science, motivational interviewing, poverty, racism, and bias, and engage in ongoing training and certification. Participate in the Peacemaking Circle process.
Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and follow the GAL rules of conduct.
This multifaceted role requires both legal advocacy and family engagement to ensure the long‑term well‑being of the young people and families we serve.
This position is part of the Juvenile Probation Counselor 2 role in the Dependency department at Pierce County Juvenile Court.
Qualifications
Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in social work or human services field, counseling, criminal justice and juvenile systems, social or behavior sciences or related field AND one or more years’ experience in a related field.
Additional education and experience may substitute for the recruitment requirements.
Special Requirements
A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County background investigation and polygraph exam is required prior to employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr