Chief Juvenile Court Officer (D2 111751)

Full Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch – Juvenile Court Services, in the Second Judicial District, seeks applicants for a Chief Juvenile Court Officer to oversee Juvenile Court Services (JCS) operations and lead staff across 22 counties in the north-central region of Iowa, to support the communities and align services with the Iowa Judicial Branch’s mission, goals, and values.

This position will oversee Juvenile Court Services’ operations to promote safe and positive outcomes for at-risk youth, victims, and communities.

This position will act as a community leader, collaborating with support agencies, law enforcement, and institutions to implement effective youth initiatives, rehabilitative programs, and coordinated responses.

This position will enforce research-based best practices and ensure compliance with applicable rules and directives.

This position will administer efficient budgets, contracts, funding, and grant management.

This position will manage continuous quality improvement and modernization in juvenile court services, operations, performance standards, and professional development.

The successful candidate will have strong time and budget management skills.

The successful candidate will have effective communication and presentation skills with a variety of court users, including judicial officers, attorneys, clients, agencies, and the general public.

The successful candidate will be able to de-escalate sensitive situations, maintain confidential information, and problem-solve. Travel throughout the district will be required.

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 $84,697.60 - $135,283.20 annually. This is an FLSA-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.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer juvenile court services in accordance with the law, and with the rules, directives, and procedures of the Iowa Judicial Branch and the judicial district.
• Ensure implementation and compliance with standards, priorities, mission, goals, and objectives of the Iowa Judicial Branch.
• Manage continuous quality improvement and modernization in juvenile court services, operations, performance standards, professional development, and workforce management.
• Analyze data and reports of juvenile court services operations for effective problem-solving and solution recommendations.
• Lead community engagement efforts and initiatives. Manage positive internal and external collaboration and public relations.
• Promote a positive culture that reinforces the Iowa Judicial Branch's mission and values.
• Manage juvenile court services, resources and staffing. Manage, assess, and analyze budgets and forecasts. Implement and enforce efficient and effective practices.
• Lead and supervise Juvenile Court Officers, supervisors, and staff.
• Responsible for assessing the service needs within the district and overseeing the Request for Proposals (RFP) and contracting processes to ensure effective and timely delivery of services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the Iowa Juvenile Court legal system and the Iowa Code as it pertains to juvenile delinquency.

• Extensive knowledge of the organization, functions, responsibilities, and procedures of juvenile court services.
• Knowledge of contract law, budgeting, the Iowa Administrative Code, and other procedural guidelines governing the administration of funds.
• Knowledge of community-based and statewide resources.
• Presentation and communication skills.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking 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.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

2. Eight (8) years of related experience in a juvenile justice or criminal justice field.
3. Three (3) years of professional supervisory experience.

A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six months of education or experience for supervisory-level positions.

Additional Information

This position is appointed by the Director of Juvenile Court Services, after consultation with the judges of the judicial district, and may be removed for cause as provided in Iowa Code §602.1217.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications (but not required)

• Experience managing budgets, grants and contracts.
• Experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in interagency partnerships/collaborations.
• Experience in operational analytics.
• Experience developing programs.
• Advanced degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field.