Program Specialist - Western (Districts 2,3,4,5 TBD 111126)

State of Iowa•State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

About The Position

The Iowa Judicial Branch, Children’s Justice in State Court Administration, is seeking a Program Specialist to support child welfare and juvenile court initiatives across western Iowa, in Judicial Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5. The position is open only to permanent employees of the Iowa Judicial Branch; external candidates, including employees of other state branches or agencies, are not eligible. The location is to be determined within the assigned districts. The Program Specialist provides regional support for Treatment Courts, Children’s Justice, Behavioral Health, and related initiatives, ensuring alignment with Judicial Branch goals and standards. 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 Specialist works 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 position requires strong cross-system partnerships, support for multidisciplinary teams, and communication of program updates, data, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. Trauma-informed, family-centered practices are emphasized. This is a full-time, grant-funded position, and continued employment is contingent on grant-fund availability. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the possibility of some nights and weekends. Travel is required within assigned districts, with occasional statewide travel and some in-person or evening meetings. The role is classified as a contract-covered, FLSA-exempt position. The annual pay range is $49,358.40 to $78,041.60; new state employees are expected to start at the base of the range, with possible adjustments for relevant experience. The Program Specialist performs program planning and implementation to meet established goals and objectives. Duties include administrative, operational, and outreach activities; coordinating planning actions within established policies, plans, updates, or budgets; scheduling program work and setting priorities; implementing compliance and quality-assurance measures; conducting studies and preparing reports on program metrics; maintaining financial statements and program records; preparing or assisting with grant requests and program funding; and providing training and instruction. Other duties may be assigned. Applicants must complete all sections of the NEOGOV application and attach 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. Employment may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

Requirements

High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
Two years of full-time equivalent experience in the administration, operation, or execution of a program.
Related education may substitute for experience at a rate of 30 semester hours or academic equivalent for 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 ability to travel.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Commitment to trauma-informed, family-centered practices.
Must be a permanent employee of the Iowa Judicial Branch; external candidates, including employees of other state branches or agencies, are not eligible.
Must complete all sections of the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume.
Final applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
Five years of experience in treatment courts, substance use disorder treatment, social work, child welfare, mental health, or other related human services fields.
Experience with Microsoft 365 and online meeting programs.
Attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Perform program planning and implementation to meet established program goals and objectives.
Carry out administrative, operational, and outreach activities based on program goals.
Coordinate planning actions and activities within established policies, plans, updates, or budgets.
Schedule program work, oversee daily activities, and set priorities.
Provide consultation, technical assistance, training, and continuous quality improvement support to courts and community partners.
Conduct court and program assessments.
Monitor data collection and reporting and ensure compliance with grant and federal requirements.
Implement compliance measures and quality assurance, including tracking and reporting.
Conduct studies and prepare reports on program metrics to guide program services.
Prepare financial statements and maintain records of program activities.
Prepare or assist in preparing grant requests and program funding.
Serve as a liaison to family treatment courts, committees, task forces, and partner organizations.
Work collaboratively with judges, court staff, child welfare agencies, treatment providers, and community stakeholders.
Support multidisciplinary teams and communicate program updates, data, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
Provide training and instructions as required to support program goals.
Travel within assigned districts, with occasional statewide travel and some in-person or evening meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.