Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D7 Scott 112144, 112147)
About The Position
The Iowa Judicial Branch, Juvenile Court Services in Scott County, is hiring two Juvenile Court Officer 1 (JCO 1) employees to provide services related to youth charged with delinquent offenses. This entry-level position is performed under immediate supervision while the employee learns and completes the training required to become a Juvenile Court Officer. After training and approval by the JCS Director, the employee may work independently, make decisions, and be directly accountable. Once promoted to JCO, the role includes rotating on-call responsibilities. The JCO 1 supervises youth on informal and formal probation, conducts social history investigations, recommends community supervision and out-of-home placement to the Court, and may occasionally provide testimony. The role works with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to prevent and reduce delinquent behavior among at-risk youth. Duties may include fingerprinting and DNA collection as required by the Iowa Code. Some travel is required, usually within Iowa and occasionally out of state. The employee must communicate professionally in person, by phone, and in writing; work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations; learn court-record-specific computer programs and technology; and maintain accurate, secure records. The position includes participation in the Iowa Judicial Branch Juvenile Court Officer Academy, classes, and on-the-job training. The pay range is $26.11–$41.28 per hour during the JCO 1 phase; after training, approval to work independently, and transition to JCO, the range is $31.39–$50.14 per hour. New state employees are expected to start at the base of the applicable range, with possible adjustments for relevant experience. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, education, or a related social science.
- Ability to communicate professionally in person, by phone, and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and treat people with respect and dignity.
- Ability to learn and navigate court-record-specific computer programs and technology, with attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain and secure confidential information.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel, usually within Iowa and occasionally out of state.
- Knowledge of the Iowa juvenile court legal system and 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, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Successful completion of required training to qualify to work independently as a Juvenile Court Officer.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of experience working with at-risk youth.
- Experience with evidence-based practices.
- Experience securing confidential information.
- Experience testifying in court.
- Experience writing professional reports.
- Experience in the Court/Human Services profession.
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 perform juvenile court services casework, including taking youth into custody, supervising youth on informal or formal probation, conducting investigations, determining and supervising out-of-home placement, and other casework.
- 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.
- Build collaborative relationships with internal and external agencies and communities to develop effective solutions and resources.
- Implement efficient budgets and financial practices.
- Supervise youth on informal and formal probation.
- Conduct social history investigations and make recommendations to the Court regarding community supervision and out-of-home placement.
- Occasionally provide testimony.
- Work with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to prevent and reduce delinquent behavior among at-risk youth.
- Conduct fingerprinting and DNA collection when required by the Iowa Code.
- Maintain accurate records and protect confidential information.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 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
