Juvenile Court Officer 1 - Wapello (D8 140203)

Full Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch, in the 8th Judicial District, Wapello County, seeks applicants for a Juvenile Court Officer 1 to learn the processes and procedures of Juvenile Court Services on a broad range of matters pertaining to youth casework in the Iowa Judicial Branch courts.

After 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.

Under the direct supervision of a Supervisor, the Juvenile Court Officer 1 position will execute casework, including supervising youth on informal and formal probation, conducting investigations, determining and supervising out-of-home placement, taking youth into custody, 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.

Additionally, Juvenile Court Officer 1 provides court testimony regarding youth compliance with court expectations, recommendations related to disposition of cases, program participation, and plans for the duration of the case.

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.

Juvenile Court Officer 1 will have a rotating on-call schedule during which time they will answer calls from law enforcement and make decisions related to detention placement or release.

This position will frequently travel, usually within the state, but occasionally out of state.

The successful candidate must be willing to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. This position will work well with diverse populations, treating all with respect and dignity.

The successful candidate will learn and navigate court record-specific computer programs and technology in addition to being skilled at communicating professionally in person and on the phone.

The successful candidate must also be detail oriented 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.

When the training is completed and the employee is approved by the JCS Director to work independently, the pay range will be $30.59 - $48.87 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 a 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.

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

Juvenile Court Officers have the duties prescribed in Iowa Code Chapter 232.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with delinquent and/or Child in Need of Assistance youth.
• Experience or familiarity with state human and youth services or programs.
• Experience securing confidential information.
• Experience with evidence-based practices.
• Experience testifying in court
• Experience interviewing and writing reports

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 American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME).