Juvenile Department Director

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

· Service · Professionalism · Integrity · Respect · Individual accountability · Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves, and our projects. We’re always looking to improve. That’s the Clackamas County SPIRIT. Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive and have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness of diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Monday, April 20, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

The salary range is $ 156,080 - $ 210,709 annually (plus 6.27% deferred compensation and 6% retirement contribution). The actual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is employed "at will" under an employment contract with the County Administrator.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering classes and events, as well as alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective on the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

The attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular-status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation leave at the time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution(The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
• Executive-level employees receive a county-paid contribution of 6.27% of base salary into a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement fund savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full-time Non-represented Group 1 county position.

Non-Represented Group 1 Full-Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits

Clackamas County seeks a bold, strategic leader to direct our Juvenile Department, driving innovative programs for at-risk youth, advancing restorative justice, and ensuring impactful navigation through the justice system. This is a critical moment for an executive ready to lead the department and deliver transformative, community-centric outcomes in juvenile justice.

About the Role
Reporting to the County Operating Officer, the Juvenile Department Director plans, develops, and manages all operations of the County Juvenile Department, overseeing an $11.5 million FY25-26 budget and 39 FTE. Responsibilities include prevention and early intervention services, case management for youth, and strategic leadership of department staff. The Director shapes departmental goals, policies, and priorities, ensures compliance with federal and state statutes, and fosters partnerships with other government agencies, community organizations, and the public. The Director serves on the Executive Management Team of the county, comprised of all appointed department directors.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced executive with significant juvenile justice expertise, strong knowledge of restorative practices and public administration, and a record of effective community engagement. They demonstrate transformational and inclusive leadership, empower teams, inspire innovation, and promote both accountability and compassion. This leader builds trust, encourages shared ownership of goals, values collaboration, and has a proven ability to lead complex initiatives that achieve accountability and rehabilitation for youth.

Key qualities include:

• Visionary Leadership: Set clear direction, establish priorities, and implement innovative strategies that achieve lasting results for youth and families.
• Policy Expertise: Strong understanding of juvenile justice laws, regulations, and best practices, with experience in policy development, advocacy, and legislative engagement.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in public budgeting, grant administration, and resource allocation, with experience preparing budget proposals and managing multi-million-dollar operations.
• Relationship Builder: Adept at fostering partnerships with courts, law enforcement, social service agencies, and community organizations.
• Team Development: Committed to coaching and developing staff, promoting teamwork, and leading by example in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Why Clackamas County?
As the next Juvenile Department Director, you will lead a dedicated team that supports youth, families, and community well-being. Clackamas County values integrity, collaboration, and excellence, and gives you resources and autonomy to advance innovative, evidence-based juvenile services and restorative justice. You will implement strategic initiatives, build partnerships with courts, social service agencies, and community organizations, and make a lasting impact on community safety and vitality.

If you are a strategic, compassionate, results-driven leader committed to restorative justice, Clackamas County is your platform for meaningful change and career growth.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• At least nine (9) years of relevant experience in juvenile justice that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
• At least three (3) years of that experience must have been in a leadership or program management role with full supervisory responsibilities
• Experience creating, stabilizing, maintaining, and working with community partners
• Demonstrated commitment to restorative services for youth offenders, victims, and communities
• Strong analytical skills, including budget administration, labor contract costing, public funding sources, and/or financing methods
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field.
• Senior management experience in juvenile or human services
• Demonstrated success in multi-agency, collaborative programs
• Experience securing and managing federal, state, or private grants
• Familiarity with unionized workforces and collective bargaining processes
• Proven ability to implement innovative programs or policies that improve outcomes for at-risk youth and families
• Knowledge of restorative justice practices and youth accountability frameworks

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test. Learn more about the county's drug testing policy
• Must pass a criminal history check, which may include a national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving is required for county business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the county's driving policy
• For veterans qualified for Veterans' Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

The Director leads all aspects of the county’s Juvenile Department, ensuring that programs and services align with departmental goals and statutory requirements. This includes developing and implementing policies, overseeing program planning, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The Director represents the county in regional and state task forces, commissions, and legislative matters, providing guidance, advocacy, and training on juvenile law and policy.

In addition to programmatic leadership, the Director manages the department’s financial operations, including oversight of an annual budget, currently $11.5 million for FY25-26. This responsibility encompasses budget development, expenditure monitoring, and grant administration. The Director also works to identify alternative funding sources and maintain robust financial reporting processes. A critical component of the role is fostering collaborative partnerships across counties, community organizations, law enforcement, and public agencies, while responding effectively to policy inquiries and public concerns.

The Director also provides executive leadership for the department’s management and professional staff, including hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, and professional development. They cultivate a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and alignment with county priorities, ensuring the department delivers high-quality services to youths and families.

The ideal candidate brings comprehensive knowledge of public administration, personnel management, budget and grant administration, and participative management principles. They have a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to juvenile justice, as well as the resources available to support service delivery.

The Director must be highly skilled in communication, both oral and written, and able to deliver effective presentations to a variety of audiences. They are experienced in policy formulation, operational planning, contract negotiation, labor relations, and team leadership. The ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, staff, and community partners is essential, as is the capacity to guide staff in improving productivity, quality, and service effectiveness. The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory frameworks while managing a multi-disciplinary team.

This position is included in the county’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for full telework, subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. Telework locations must be located in Oregon.

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

• Explore Clackamas County
• Working for Clackamas County
• Recreation, Arts & Heritage

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Clackamas County Juvenile Department strives to keep communities safe through restorative services for youth offenders, victims, and communities. We target interventions to hold youth meaningfully accountable, teach them new skills, and address the harm done to victims and the community.

Central to our continued success is our engagement with community partners. These partnerships empower communities to hold their youth accountable, expand opportunities for at-risk youth to feel connected to their local communities, and give youth a chance to participate in meaningful service-learning projects while earning stipends or volunteering hours to repay victims and the community.

By implementing research-supported strategies and working meaningfully with the communities we serve, the Department will continue its goal of addressing harm, reducing crime, and increasing a youth’s ability to make positive contributions to their communities.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Clackamas County Juvenile Department is to provide equitable juvenile justice, family support, intervention, and reformation services to youth so they can repair harm to victims, experience positive change, and contribute to a safe, healthy, and secure community.

Learn more about the Clackamas County Juvenile Department

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

• Application Process
• Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues, you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

• Request Veterans' Preference
• Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability, or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

James Callahan, Recruiter
JCallahan@clackamas.us