Juvenile Court School Liaison

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics athletics the arts and various activities. Situated in central Iowa just 6 miles from Des Moines Ankeny CSD caters to over 12800 students from preschool through 12th grade making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

Juvenile Court School Liaison

Purpose Statement

The Juvenile Court School Liaison (JCSL) is a school-based support professional who collaborates with students families school staff and Juvenile Court Services to improve behavior attendance academic engagement and overall student success. The position supports at-risk and court-involved youth through case management intervention planning advocacy and coordination of school and community resources. The JCSL provides direct support to referred students including truancy prevention conflict resolution re-entry planning from out-of-home placements and family engagement while fostering positive relationships that reduce barriers to achievement and promote accountability safety and student well-being. The JCLO will primarily support the Districts high schools with secondary support dedicated to middle school students.

Job Title: Juvenile Court School Liaison (JCSL)

Contract: 12-mo Employment Agreement

Reports To: Safety & Security Specialist

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in social work criminal justice psychology education counseling human services sociology or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth families schools juvenile justice social services or related human service settings preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk court-involved behaviorally challenged or underserved youth strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development trauma-informed practices behavior intervention strategies and family systems.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to independently interpret regulations and apply professional judgment to non-routine situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal/customer service abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities meet deadlines and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school district Juvenile Court Services students families and community agencies to coordinate supports and interventions.
• Provide case management services for referred students experiencing attendance behavioral academic or court-related concerns.
• Monitor and support student attendance through truancy prevention strategies home contacts family meetings and collaboration with school personnel.
• Assist students in developing positive behavioral skills conflict resolution strategies decision-making skills and personal accountability.
• Conduct individual student meetings check-ins mentoring and supportive counseling within the scope of the position.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings staffing meetings IEP/504 meetings as appropriate and court-related meetings when requested.
• Support successful student transitions and re-entry planning following suspension expulsion detention treatment placement or alternative education settings.
• Identify and connect students and families with community resources counseling services mentoring programs and other supports.
• Assist in crisis response de-escalation and safety planning involving students when appropriate and within training guidelines.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress concerns interventions and available resources.
• Collaborate with administrators counselors teachers school resource officers and support staff to address student needs and improve outcomes.
• Provide educational support related to school expectations attendance laws restorative practices and available intervention services.
• Maintain accurate timely and confidential case notes reports referral documentation and required records in accordance with district and agency guidelines.
• Prepare summaries data and reports regarding caseload trends interventions and program effectiveness as requested.

Other Functions

• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as directed by the Superintendent or designee.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support district events or urgent matters.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting carrying pushing pulling reaching and standing. Work is performed in a variety of environments including settings that may involve noise crowds and variable temperatures. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain effective decision-making under pressure.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with District policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.