Specialized Populations Officer

State of Nebraska•North Platte, NE

9d•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, including sex offenses, domestic violence, and drug offenses. Depending on assignment, the role may involve conducting pre-sentence investigations and clinical assessments, developing case plans, coordinating with community treatment providers, investigating violations, discussing sanctions, facilitating cognitive or other groups, monitoring drug tests, preparing progress reports, and conducting field and home visits. Case assignments are based on rotation and supervisor direction for Problem-Solving Courts. The position is based at 110 East 3rd Street, North Platte, Nebraska. Regular travel within the district is required for community visits and operational support, with occasional regional travel for orientation, training, and educational workshops. The schedule is mostly daytime, Monday through Friday, though non-traditional hours may be required. The starting salary is $60,313.77 annually. A 2.5% pay increase may follow successful completion of probation for employees starting at the hiring rate; higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval. Annual cost-of-living adjustments are subject to State Legislature approval. The Judicial Branch does not sponsor STEM (Form I-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field, and two years of case-management experience in a related field; an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties will also be considered.
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 applications.
Skills in conducting 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.
Ability to travel and work non-traditional hours when required.
May be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dust, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel; Light Work involving exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly.

Responsibilities

Investigate, monitor, and supervise targeted, program-specific high-risk individuals on probation, post-release supervision, or in adult and juvenile Problem-Solving Court programs.
Provide counseling, case management, case reporting, and related caseload-management functions under close supervision.
Develop a team supervision approach with referral sources, including probation officers, Navigation Officers, Problem-Solving Court teams, county jail staff, and prison caseworkers.
Participate in individuals’ treatment through ongoing communication with treatment providers and attendance at treatment groups and facilities; assist in developing relapse-prevention plans.
Facilitate topical, supervision, cognitive, skill-building, life-skills, and general education groups.
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 for updates.
Conduct community visits and support operations through regular travel within the district; travel occasionally for orientation, training, and educational workshops.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance; dental and vision plans are available for purchase.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage available for purchase.
Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
State-matched retirement contributions of 156% of the first 4.8% contribution.
Free $20,000 life insurance policy; optional life insurance and AD&D available for purchase.
13 paid holidays annually.
Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately.
Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.
Paid training to develop skills.
Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications.
Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education.
Opportunity for bilingual pay.