Juvenile Court Officer ; D7 Scott

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch, Juvenile Court Services in Scott 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. Upon successful completion of required training, this position will be eligible to work independently, with decision‑making abilities, and direct accountability as a Juvenile Court Officer (JCO). Once promoted to a JCO, rotating on‑call responsibilities occur.

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. They work closely with law enforcement, schools, courts, communities, and other agencies to prevent and reduce delinquent behaviors of at‑risk youth. The JCO 1 must communicate professionally in person, on the phone, and in writing and may conduct fingerprinting and DNA collection as required by the Code of Iowa.

This position requires some travel, usually within the state and occasionally out of state. The JCO 1 must work well with diverse populations, treating all with respect and dignity, and must learn and navigate court‑record‑specific computer programs and technology with keen attention to detail to maintain the accuracy and integrity of records.

• 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 training is completed and the employee is approved by the JCS Director to work independently and moved to a JCO, 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.

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.

• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• Ability to use technology and computer systems.

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

• Two or more years’ experience working with at‑risk youth.
• Experience with evidence‑based practices.
• Experience securing confidential information.
• Experience testifying in court.
• Experience writing professional reports.
• Experience with the Court/Human Services profession.

This is a non‑merit…