Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D5 Polk 111975)

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

IPERS retirement plan

Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave

Employee discount program

Job summary

Iowa Judicial Branch in Iowa seeks applicants for Juvenile Court Officer 1 to begin a career in Juvenile Court Services across youth matters in our courts. You will learn through training and guidance before transitioning to an independent Juvenile Court Officer role with accountability.

The role involves casework like taking youth into custody, supervising probation, investigations, out‑of‑home placement decisions, and will require collaboration with law enforcement, schools, and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, education, or related social science.
• Ability to travel and reliable transportation.
• Commitment to learning during the training phase and progression to independent Juvenile Court Officer duties.

Responsibilities

• Learn, observe, and ensure Juvenile Court Services comply with the law and internal policies.
• Observe and train to execute juvenile court services casework, including custody, probation, investigations, and placements.
• Participate in the Juvenile Court Officer Academy and on‑the‑job training.
• Train in evidence‑based practices, decision making, and documentation.
• Build collaborative relationships with agencies and communities for effective solutions.
• Support budget and financial practices related to program delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law/criminal justice/criminology/psychology/sociology/education or related social science

Job description

The Iowa Judicial Branch in Polk County seeks applicants for Juvenile Court Officer 1 to learn to provide Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of matters related to youth casework in Iowa Judicial Branch courts. After completing the required training and guidance, this position will transition to a Juvenile Court Officer role with independent work, decision-making, and accountability.

This position will execute Juvenile Court Services casework, including taking youth into custody, supervising youth on informal and formal probation, conducting investigations, determining and supervising out-of-home placement, and other casework tasks. This position will work closely with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to support programs to reduce delinquent behaviors. This position will use evidence-based practices in casework, decision-making, and accountability.

This position will occasionally provide court testimony regarding recommendations made and youth program participation. The successful candidate will supervise a juvenile’s compliance with the conditions of supervision. This position will conduct intake and determine youth placement, including detention, shelter care, or home, with appropriate service referrals. This position will occasionally collect random urinalysis, fingerprinting, and DNA collection. This position will have a rotating on-call schedule. This position will frequently travel, usually within the state, but occasionally out of state.

The successful candidate will be able to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. This position will work well with diverse populations, treating all with respect and dignity. The successful candidate will be able to learn and navigate court record-specific computer programs and technology. This position will communicate professionally in person and on the phone. The successful candidate will have keen attention to detail to maintain accurate, integrity-protected records.

What’s in it for you:

• 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
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

The pay range for this position is $26.11 - $41.28 per hour. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as Juvenile Court Officer 1 as summarized below.

Summary

This position is to learn, train, and complete the necessary requirements to become a Juvenile Court Officer to provide Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of matters pertaining to youth in the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn, observe, and ensure Juvenile Court Services are compliant with the law, and with the rules, directives, and procedures of the Iowa Judicial Branch and the judicial district.
• Observe and train to execute 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 standards.
• Participate in the Iowa Judicial Branch Juvenile Court Officer Academy, classes, and on-the-job training.
• Train in safe, efficient, equitable, and evidence-based practices in casework, decision-making, and documentation practices.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external agencies and communities for effective solutions and resources.
• Implement efficient budgets and financial practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 the ability to travel.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME).

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, education, or related social science.

Additional Information

This role includes a learning phase, followed by a fully proficient level once the required skills are experience are demonstrated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with, leading, mentoring, or coaching youth.
• Experience in securing and maintaining confidential information.
• Two or more years working in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice, detention centers, residential programs, Youth Shelters, and/or Counseling youth.
• 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 working the practical applications of Iowa Code 232
• Experience working in high conflict/resolution areas.
• Experience conducting interviews, assessments, and investigations.