Detention Operations Supervisor

Detention Operations Supervisor

Salary

$41.56 - $60.33 Hourly

Location

County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

D395 0826

Department

Superior/Juvenile Court Administration

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

Salary

DOQ

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

Whatcom County Juvenile Probation seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Juvenile Detention Operations Supervisor, providing operational leadership for the Countys 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, wed love to hear from you!

Supervisor: Detention Manager

For more information, please review the job description.

Salary Range:

• Unrepresented- Range 9

Qualifications

• Bachelors 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 drivers 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.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits 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 benefit information

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

01

Do you possess a bachelors 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

Employer Whatcom County

Address 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107

Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone (360) 778-5300

Website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings