Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D1 Dubuque 111694)

About the role

This position is a Juvenile Court Officer 1 role designed to train and prepare the incumbent to provide Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of matters pertaining to youth casework in the Iowa Judicial Branch courts. After completing required training and guidance, the position will transition to a Juvenile Court Officer with independent work, decision-making, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Learn and execute Juvenile Court Services casework, including taking youth into custody, supervising youth on informal and formal probation, conducting investigations, and determining and supervising out-of-home placement.
• Work closely with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to support programs aimed at reducing delinquent behaviors.
• Use evidence-based practices in casework, decision-making, and accountability.
• Provide court testimony regarding program participation.
• Supervise a juvenile’s compliance with the conditions of supervision.
• Conduct intake and determine youth placement, including detention, shelter care, or home, with appropriate service referrals.
• Occasionally collect random urinalysis, fingerprinting, and DNA collection.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
• Travel frequently, usually within the state, but occasionally out of state.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Learn and navigate court record-specific computer programs and technology.
• Communicate professionally in person and on the phone.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of records with keen attention to detail.
• Learn, observe, and ensure Juvenile Court Services are compliant with the law, rules, directives, and procedures of the Iowa Judicial Branch and the judicial district.
• 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.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external agencies and communities for effective solutions and resources.
• Implement efficient budgets and financial practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, education, or related social science.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel, occasionally out of state.
• Ability to maintain and secure confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with, leading, or coaching youth.
• Experience maintaining confidential information.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience working with families experiencing behavioral health, educational, or social challenges.
• Knowledge of juvenile justice, child welfare, education, or behavioral health systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including building rapport with youth and families.
• Training or experience in conflict resolution, de-escalation, or restorative practices.

Skills

• 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.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

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.
• Eligibility for the federal student loan repayment program.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $26.11 - $41.28 per hour. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range, with adjustments possible based on relevant experience.

This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position, classified under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with AFSCME Iowa Council 61.