Probation Officer - Juvenile Diversion

Are You Ready to Make a Difference in a Young Person's Life?
 Join our team and play a vital role in shaping safer communities while supporting youth on a better path. This position combines structure, leadership, and compassion—ideal for someone who can stay calm under pressure, think critically, and connect with young people in tough situations.

Why You Should Apply:

• Competitive Salary: $27.11 to $32.21 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

• Amazing Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health care for you and your dependents at our free medical clinic with primary care, select medications, lab services, and more. 

• Generous Paid Time Off: Full time employees earn up to 8 hours of vacation per month increasing with years of service and a strong retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI).
• Career Growth: Opportunities for career advancement and public student loan forgiveness eligibility.

What You'll Do:

• Help manage behavior and maintain safety by using professional de-escalation and appropriate restraint techniques when necessary.
• Stay alert and responsive, both mentally and physically, during unexpected or high-risk situations.
• Interact daily with young people who may be angry, under the influence, or experiencing emotional crises, often working independently.
• Use strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to build rapport, calm tensions, and create productive interactions.
• Maintain emotional resilience and keep your cool—even when dealing with challenging juveniles, parents, or members of the public.
• Work closely with supervisors, court systems, agencies, and team members, always promoting a positive and respectful work environment.

Do You Qualify?

• Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience working with at-risk youth and families, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet Juvenile Probation POST standards before starting.
• Obtain POST certification within 12 months of hire and maintain it.
• Certification in Appropriate Use of Force (AUF) and OC (pepper spray).
• Valid driver’s license, insurable, and reliable transportation required.
• Must maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
• May be required to become certified in tools such as YLS/CMI, CAFAS, GAIN-Q, or Idaho Risk Assessment.
• View full  job description here.

What You Bring:

We're looking for someone who truly understands the juvenile justice system and can work with empathy and authority. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of:

• Juvenile justice practices, confidentiality laws (including OSHA & HIPAA), and community safety.
• Special populations, including youth who are facing mental health challenges, trauma, gang involvement, and substance use.
• Counseling, case planning, and interview techniques for working with both youth and their families.
• Local resources that support behavior changes such as counseling, education, treatment, and accountability programs.

Why Kootenai County?

If you are passionate about making a long-lasting impact, can lead with both structure and empathy, and thrive in fast-moving, high-responsibility environments—we want to hear from you!

Submit your application, cover letter and resume through our online application portal by 5:00pm Tuesday, August 12th for consideration.

This position is subject to pre-employment and subsequent drug testing; and may be subjected, but not limited to, a law enforcement criminal check, fingerprinting and credit check. The position may be subject to occasional responses after normal working hours.

Apply Now: Kootenai County Employment Opportunities

CONTACT US:
Human Resources 
(208) 446-1648
kcrecruit@kcgov.us

Kootenai County is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace