Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D5 Polk 111975)
About The Position
The Iowa Judicial Branch in Polk County is hiring a Juvenile Court Officer 1 to learn and train to provide Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of youth casework matters. After completing required training and demonstrating the necessary skills, the employee will transition to independent work as a Juvenile Court Officer, with related decision-making and accountability. The role involves juvenile casework such as taking youth into custody; supervising youth on informal or formal probation; conducting investigations; determining and supervising out-of-home placements; conducting intake and determining placement in detention, shelter care, or at home; and referring youth to appropriate services. The officer supervises compliance with conditions of supervision and applies evidence-based practices to casework, decisions, and documentation. The position works with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to support efforts to reduce delinquent behavior. It may include occasional testimony about recommendations and youth program participation, as well as occasional random urinalysis, fingerprinting, and DNA collection. The role includes participation in the Iowa Judicial Branch Juvenile Court Officer Academy, classes, and on-the-job training. It has a rotating on-call schedule and frequent travel, usually within Iowa and occasionally out of state. The successful candidate must collaborate with stakeholders, work respectfully with diverse populations, learn court-record computer programs and technology, communicate professionally in person and by phone, and maintain accurate and secure records. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt, non-merit position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME. The pay range is $26.11–$41.28 per hour; new state employees are expected to start at the base of the range, with possible adjustments for relevant experience. Candidates must submit a NEOGOV application with a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify and Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, education, or a related social science.
- Knowledge of the Iowa juvenile court legal system and the Iowa Code as it pertains to juvenile delinquency.
- Knowledge of the organization, functions, responsibilities, and procedures of juvenile court services.
- Knowledge of community-based and statewide resources.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain and secure confidential information.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel.
- Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and work respectfully with diverse populations.
- Ability to learn and navigate court-record-specific computer programs and technology.
- Professional in-person and telephone communication skills and attention to detail in maintaining accurate records.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with, leading, mentoring, or coaching youth.
- Experience securing and maintaining confidential information.
- Two or more years of experience in criminal justice, juvenile justice, detention centers, residential programs, youth shelters, and/or youth counseling.
- Experience working with youth with substance abuse, mental health, and delinquency concerns.
- Experience working with law enforcement and service providers.
- Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills, including presenting information in meetings or court settings.
- Experience with practical applications of Iowa Code 232.
- Experience working in high-conflict or resolution areas.
- Experience conducting interviews, assessments, and investigations.
Responsibilities
- Learn, observe, and help ensure Juvenile Court Services comply with applicable law and Iowa Judicial Branch and judicial district rules, directives, and procedures.
- Train to execute juvenile court casework, including taking youth into custody, supervising informal or formal probation, conducting investigations, and determining and supervising out-of-home placement.
- Participate in the Iowa Judicial Branch Juvenile Court Officer Academy, classes, and on-the-job training.
- Train in safe, efficient, equitable, and evidence-based casework, decision-making, and documentation practices.
- Conduct intake and determine youth placement in detention, shelter care, or at home, with appropriate service referrals.
- Supervise youth compliance with conditions of supervision.
- Build collaborative relationships with internal and external agencies and communities to develop effective solutions and resources.
- Implement efficient budgets and financial practices.
- Occasionally provide court testimony regarding recommendations and youth program participation.
- Occasionally collect random urinalysis, fingerprints, and DNA samples.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Collaborative, positive professional work environment.
- Opportunities to make a widespread difference in Iowa communities.
- Excellent benefits package.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan.
- Employee discount program.
- Employment may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
