Specialized Populations Officer

State of Nebraska • Hastings, NE

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Specialized Populations Officer provides case management and supervision for high-risk individuals in Problem-Solving Court programs, post-release supervision, and specialized adult or juvenile probation cases. Cases may involve sex offenses, domestic violence, or drug offenses. The role includes working with treatment providers and referral sources, monitoring participants’ progress and compliance, and supporting treatment and relapse-prevention efforts. Case assignments are based on rotation and supervisor assignment for Problem-Solving Courts.

The position is in-office at 300 N. St. Joseph Ave, Hastings, Nebraska. Travel is required at times. The work schedule is primarily day shift, with occasional nights, weekends, and holidays. The starting salary is $60,313.77 annually. A 2.5% increase may follow successful completion of the probation period, subject to the stated starting-rate conditions. Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Two years of experience in case management in related fields, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• All educational credits must be from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Knowledge of customer service principles; the criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures; interview and assessment procedures; intervention policies and procedures; cognitive skill building and motivational learning; social learning theory; crisis intervention techniques; modern office procedures and equipment; recordkeeping principles; document review techniques; and computers and related software.
• Skill in making home visits, interviewing probationers, tracking probationers’ locations, using probation and protective techniques, applying applicable laws and regulations, preparing activity reports and updating databases, operating computers and applicable software, and communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, the public, and others.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, monitor, and supervise targeted high-risk individuals on probation, post-release supervision, or in adult and juvenile Problem-Solving Court programs.
• Perform counseling, case management, case reporting, and related functions for a caseload under close supervision.
• Develop a team-supervision approach with referral sources, such as probation officers, Navigation Officers, Problem-Solving Court teams, county jail staff, and prison caseworkers.
• Participate in individuals’ treatment through regular communication with treatment providers and attendance at treatment groups and facilities; assist with relapse-prevention planning.
• Facilitate groups, which may include topical groups, supervision groups, cognitive programs, skill-building, life-skills enhancement, and general client education.
• Prepare violation and compliance reports, conduct record checks, enter and update client information in appropriate systems, and determine which reports to send to the court.
• Perform pre-sentence investigations, classification and clinical assessments, and case planning as applicable.
• Investigate violations and discuss sanctions; conduct and monitor drug tests; prepare and submit probationer progress reports.
• Arrest or detain probationers as authorized by statute.
• Conduct field and home visits for assessment and reassessment.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance
• Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase
• Short-term and long-term disability plans available to purchase
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• State-matched retirement contribution described as 156% of the first 4.8% contribution
• Free $20,000 life insurance policy
• Optional life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage available to purchase
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately
• Military leave
• Funeral and bereavement leave
• Paid training
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level