The North Dakota Court System has announced a job opening for a Juvenile Court Officer I in Fargo. The full-time position, with a monthly salary of $5,955, is part of Unit 2 – Juvenile Court. Applications will be accepted until March 16, 2026.
The role involves case management and probation services for delinquent children. The officer investigates the backgrounds of juveniles to help the court determine appropriate outcomes for each case. Responsibilities include developing and implementing case plans that address community protection, competency development, and accountability.
According to the announcement, candidates should be able to engage and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They must demonstrate an ability to work with diverse individuals and build strong relationships. The job also requires skills in planning, organizing, analyzing cases, interviewing involved parties, preparing reports, and maintaining detailed records.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience that demonstrates the ability to fulfill the job’s responsibilities. A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
The Juvenile Court Officer I position is described as a career ladder opportunity with potential advancement to level II. Officers at this level follow established routines but require specialized training and knowledge. They are responsible for administering various assessments such as risk and need evaluations and mental health screenings.
Other duties involve preparing predisposition reports on assigned cases by interviewing involved parties and gathering information from schools, law enforcement agencies, victims, and other sources. Officers present service plans to the court and participate in hearings by providing testimony regarding dispositions.
Maintaining regular contact with youth on probation is essential to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions such as restitution payments, community service participation, drug testing, electronic monitoring or home confinement. Officers are expected to encourage pro-social activities among youth and support family involvement throughout the process.
Additional responsibilities include collaborating with community organizations to maintain resources for children and families while keeping accurate records within the juvenile court information system.
Knowledge requirements encompass principles of probation work, relevant laws affecting juveniles at local, state, and federal levels; understanding individual/group behavior; word processing; and specialized case management systems. Skill requirements focus on interpersonal collaboration within agency settings; planning rehabilitation plans; analytical evaluation of cases; counseling/interviewing; communication abilities; proficiency in software use; documentation/reporting.
Physical demands are generally light but may involve occasional travel—employees have flexibility over their schedules when facing adverse weather or travel conditions. Work takes place primarily in an office environment but may expose employees to biological hazards during drug testing procedures.
