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Posted: March 23, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D4 Pottawattamie 111870)

State of Iowa

444 Judicial

Fresh

Location

Salary

$25.45 - $40.23

per hour

Type

Closes

April 14, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level role involves training to support and supervise youth in the court system, handling tasks like probation oversight, investigations, and coordinating with schools and law enforcement to help reduce delinquent behavior.

A good fit would be someone patient and empathetic who enjoys working with young people, has strong communication skills, and is ready to learn legal procedures while making a positive community impact.

The position starts with guidance but can lead to independent decision-making after training.

Key Requirements

  • Successful completion of required training and guidance to advance to independent Juvenile Court Officer role
  • Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including law enforcement, schools, courts, and communities
  • Strong communication skills for in-person, written, and phone interactions, including occasional court testimony
  • Keen attention to detail for maintaining accurate records and ensuring casework integrity
  • Proficiency in learning and using court-specific computer programs and technology
  • Comfort working with diverse populations, treating all with respect and dignity
  • Willingness to travel frequently within the state (occasionally out-of-state), handle rotating on-call schedule, and perform tasks like youth custody and urinalysis collection

Full Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch, in the 4th District based in PottawattamieCounty, seeks applicants for a Juvenile Court Officer I to learn to provide Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of matters pertaining to youth casework in the Iowa Judicial Branch courts.

After successfully completing the required training and guidance, the successful candidate may be considered for a promotion to a Juvenile Court Officer working independently, making decisions, and holding youth accountable to court-ordered requirements.

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 program participation. The successful candidate will supervise a juvenile’s compliance with the conditions of supervision.

This position will conduct intakes and determine youth placement, including detention, shelter care, or home, with appropriate service referrals.

This position will occasionally collect random urinalysis, referral to fingerprinting, and DNA collection.

This position will have a rotating on-call schedule after successful completion of JCO I status.

This position will frequently travel, usually within the state, but may occasionally out of state if a youth is placed 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 need to be able to learn and navigate court record-specific computer programs and technology.

This position will have a high degree of communication skills to professionally communicate in person, writing and on the phone.

The successful candidate will have keen attention to detail to maintain the accuracy and integrity of records of various types of caseloads.

What’s in it for you:

  • Collaborative, positive, professional work environment
  • Opportunities to make a widespread difference in Iowa communities with youth
  • 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 considered to be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience based on available funds.

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 courts.

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.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with 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.

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 science.

Additional Information

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

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two or more years of Criminal, Juvenile Justice and/or Youth Shelter, Counseling Experience
  • Two or more years of Case Management Experience
  • Experience with data entry
  • Application of Iowa Code Chapter 232
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Therapist
  • Master’s degree

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/24/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-iowa-5279913