Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D7 Scott 112144, 112147)

Juvenile Court Officer 1 (D7 Scott 112144, 112147)

Salary

$54,308.80 - $85,862.40 Annually

Location

Davenport - 52801 - Scott County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00926

Agency

444 Judicial

Opening Date

10/25/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

christopher.spencer@iowacourts.gov

To Apply

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.

• Description
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch, Juvenile Court Services in Scott County, seeks applicants for two (2) Juvenile Court Officer 1 (JCO 1) positions 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 pay 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 $26.11 - $41.28 per hour. When the 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 $31.39 - $50.14 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.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

• 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 the required skills are experience are demonstrated.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Attach PDF cover letter and resume.

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch.

• Yes
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. S611 et seq?

• Yes
• No

03

Please explain any gaps in your employment history?

04

Have you ever received a disciplinary suspension, been asked to resign, or discharged from a job? If yes please explain below.

05

What is your minimum salary requirement?

06

Your application for employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch will generally be treated as confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7(18). However, if you consent to allow Judicial to treat it as a public record per Iowa Code section 22.7(18)(a), please check "Yes, I consent" below.

• Yes, I consent
• No

07

List any professional licenses you hold:

08

Current Iowa Judicial Branch Employees ONLY: Have you completed the Iowa Judicial Branch LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certification?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

09

Applicants with international degrees: Have you attached an international education equivalency verification document? We highly recommend for further consideration.

• I have attached an international education equivalency verification document
• I have not attached an international education equivalency verification document
• Not Applicable

10

Are you related to or do you have a close personal relationship with any current employee? If so, please identify the individual and department.

11

This role requires regular, in-person work. Are you willing to commute or relocate, if necessary, to fulfill this requirement?"

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 444 Judicial Address Iowa Judicial Branch Building

1111 E Court Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowacourts.gov/