Program Specialist-Children's Justice (SCA D6-D7-D8 140125)
About The Position
The Iowa Judicial Branch, Children’s Justice in State Court Administration, is seeking applicants for a Program Specialist to support child welfare and juvenile court initiatives across eastern Iowa, including Judicial Districts 1, 6, 7, and 8. This position provides regional support for programs such as Treatment Courts, Children’s Justice, Behavioral Health, and related initiatives, ensuring alignment with Judicial Branch goals and standards. This position supports child welfare and treatment court initiatives across assigned judicial districts. The role provides consultation, technical assistance, training, and continuous quality improvement support to courts and community partners; conducts court and program assessments; monitors data collection and reporting; ensures compliance with grant and federal requirements; and serves as a liaison to family treatment courts, committees, task forces, and partner organizations. The position works collaboratively with judges, court staff, child welfare agencies, treatment providers, and community stakeholders to advance best practices and improve outcomes for children and families involved in the court system. The successful candidate will build strong cross-system partnerships, support multidisciplinary teams, and communicate program updates, data, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with a commitment to trauma-informed, family-centered practices. This position requires travel within assigned districts, with occasional statewide travel and some in-person or evening meetings.
Requirements
- High school diploma (or high school equivalency diploma).
- Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in the administration, operation, or execution of a program.
- Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of 30 semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.
- Organizational skills and the ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively.
- Ability to coordinate activities and events.
- Ability to work within prescribed budget parameters.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
- Five (5) years of experience in social work, child welfare, mental health, or other related human services field.
- Experience with Microsoft 365 and online meeting programs.
Responsibilities
- Perform administrative, operational, and outreach activities based on the program goals.
- Coordinate related planning actions and activities to support program goals and objectives within established policies, plans, updates, or budgets.
- Schedule program work, oversee daily activities, and set priorities for managing the program.
- Implement program compliance measures and quality assurance, including tracking and reporting as required, to ensure program goals are met.
- Conduct studies and reports on specific program metrics to guide program services.
- Prepare financial statement and maintain records of program activities.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of grant requests and program funding.
- Provide training and instructions as required to support the program goals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Collaborative, positive professional work environment
- Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
- Excellent benefits package
- Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
- Employee discount program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
