Program Specialist-Children's Justice (SCA D6-D7-D8 140125)

Posting number: 27-00320

Department: 444 Judicial

Job classification: GENERIC CLASS SPEC

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Legal, Social Services, Program Management

The Iowa Judicial Branch, Children’s Justice in State Court Administration, is seeking applicants for a Program Specialist to support child welfare and juvenile court initiatives across eastern Iowa, including Judicial Districts 1, 6, 7, and 8. This position provides regional support for programs such as Treatment Courts, Children’s Justice, Behavioral Health, and related initiatives, ensuring alignment with Judicial Branch goals and standards.

This position supports child welfare and treatment court initiatives across assigned judicial districts. The role provides consultation, technical assistance, training, and continuous quality improvement support to courts and community partners; conducts court and program assessments; monitors data collection and reporting; ensures compliance with grant and federal requirements; and serves as a liaison to family treatment courts, committees, task forces, and partner organizations. The position works collaboratively with judges, court staff, child welfare agencies, treatment providers, and community stakeholders to advance best practices and improve outcomes for children and families involved in the court system.

The successful candidate will build strong cross-system partnerships, support multidisciplinary teams, and communicate program updates, data, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with a commitment to trauma-informed, family-centered practices.

This position requires travel within assigned districts, with occasional statewide travel and some in-person or evening meetings.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with the possibility of some nights and weekends.

Location: TBD, within Judicial Districts 6, 7, and 8.

This is a full-time grant-funded position; continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funds. 

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 $49,358.40 - $78,041.60 annually. This is a contract-covered, 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.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Program Specialist as summarized below.

Summary

Perform program planning and implementation in an established program to effectively meet the program’s goals and objectives.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform administrative, operational, and outreach activities based on the program goals.
• Coordinate related planning actions and activities to support program goals and objectives within established policies, plans, updates, or budgets.
• Schedule program work, oversee daily activities, and set priorities for managing the program.
• Implement program compliance measures and quality assurance, including tracking and reporting as required, to ensure program goals are met.
• Conduct studies and reports on specific program metrics to guide program services.
• Prepare financial statement and maintain records of program activities.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of grant requests and program funding.
• Provide training and instructions as required to support the program goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Organizational skills and the ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively.
• Ability to coordinate activities and events.
• Ability to work within prescribed budget parameters.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity 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 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. 

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

1. High school diploma (or high school equivalency diploma).
2. Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in the administration, operation, or execution of a program.

Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of 30 semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
• Five (5) years of experience in social work, child welfare, mental health, or other related human services field. 
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and online meeting programs.