Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D6 Johnson 112081)

The Iowa Judicial Branch, Juvenile Court Services in Johnson County, seeks applicants for a Juvenile Court Officer 1 (JCO 1) to provide a broad range of services pertaining to youth charged with delinquent offenses. The JCO 1 is an entry level position under immediate supervision.  After successful completion of required training, this position will be eligible to be a Juvenile Court Officer (JCO) working independently, with decision-making abilities, and direct accountability. Once promoted to a JCO, there are rotating on call responsibilities.  

The JCO 1 supervises youth on informal and formal probation, conducts social history investigations, and makes recommendations to the Court for community supervision and out of home placement, occasionally providing testimony.  The JCO 1 will work closely with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to prevent and reduce delinquent behaviors of at-risk youth.  Must have the ability to communicate professionally in person, on the phone and in writing.  The JCO 1 may conduct fingerprinting and DNA collection as required by the Code of Iowa.   This position does require some travel, usually within the state, but occasionally out of state.

The JCO 1 must have the ability to 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 and have keen attention to detail to maintain the accuracy and integrity of 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 $25.45 - $40.23 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 Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.  Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page. 

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume.  Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check.  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). 

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch.  Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.  

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