Community Based Program Specialist – Behavioral Health (Tribal)

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Nebraska's Health & Human Services agency in Lincoln seeks a Community Based Program Specialist – Behavioral Health (Tribal) to support tribal partnerships and contract oversight. You will coordinate activities, monitor compliance, and provide guidance to tribal staff and leaders while maintaining respectful relations with Tribal Nations.

Excellent communication, organizational skills, and cultural sensitivity are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or related field.
• Experience in human services, healthcare, or public administration may substitute for the educational requirement.
• Preferred familiarity with tribal contracts, grants management, and interagency collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate community‑based behavioral health activities.
• Build respectful working relationships with Tribal Nations and partners.
• Provide technical assistance on program requirements and policy clarifications.
• Manage tribal and Rural Health Transformation Program contracts, monitoring deliverables and compliance.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with tribal partners and monitor budgets and audits.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $24.862 Job Posting: JR2026-00030399 Community Based Program Specialist – Behavioral Health (Tribal) (Open)

Job Description: Build meaningful partnerships. Support stronger communities. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Behavioral Health, is seeking a personable, organized professional to join our team as a Community Based Program Specialist – Behavioral Health (Tribal) in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bring your communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to building respectful relationships to work that supports community-based behavioral health services. Success in this role starts with listening, learning, and building trust. We’re looking for someone with an open mindset and cultural sensitivity who values lasting partnerships and respects each Tribal Nation’s sovereignty, distinct laws, traditions, and priorities.

Why Join the State of Nebraska?

The State of Nebraska offers outstanding benefits and career opportunities, including:

• Competitive wages
• Retirement plan with 156% match
• Generous paid leave and 13 paid holidays
• 79% employer-paid health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and career advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job Duties

In this role, you will support community-based behavioral health services through collaborative partnerships with the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Santee Sioux Nation, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. You will combine culturally responsive relationship‑building with contract administration, program monitoring, and technical assistance. Responsibilities include:

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate community‑based behavioral health program activities.
• Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Tribal Nations, Native‑serving organizations, DHHS Tribal Liaisons, and other partners, recognizing each Tribe’s sovereignty and distinct laws, practices, and priorities.
• Provide technical assistance to tribal staff and leaders, including guidance on program requirements and policy clarifications.
• Manage tribal behavioral health contracts, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) contracts, and other assigned contracts, monitoring deliverables, timelines, compliance, and contractor performance.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with tribal partners to review contract activities, address questions and concerns, and coordinate follow‑up.
• Monitor budgets, review monthly billings and supporting documentation, and resolve discrepancies.
• Conduct annual audits and other reviews as directed, document findings, and track corrective actions.
• Support policy development and compliance with applicable program, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain accurate, organized contract files, meeting records, audit documentation, and program reports.
• Independently manage priorities and take initiative to prepare for deadlines, improve processes, expand program knowledge, and follow up with partners.
• Participate in limited travel within Nebraska.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or another program‑related field.
• Professional experience working in a human/social service or healthcare agency with responsibility for planning or evaluating services, programs, or operational policies and practices may substitute for the educational requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience in human services, behavioral health services, public health, public administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing contracts or grants, monitoring budgets, reviewing billings, or conducting audits.
• Experience working collaboratively with Tribal Nations, Native‑serving organizations, or culturally diverse communities.
• Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Nebraska’s public behavioral health services network.
• Understanding of Nebraska contracts and grants management.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and respect for Tribal sovereignty.

Other:

• A valid driver’s license is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Contract administration, budgeting, program monitoring, and compliance.
• Audit and records‑review practices, including reviewing supporting documentation, identifying discrepancies, and documenting findings.
• Cultural responsiveness and the importance of recognizing the distinct laws, practices, and priorities of each Tribal Nation.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, including listening, establishing trust, and following through on commitments.
• Clear, respectful written and verbal communication.
• Attention to detail when reviewing contracts, billings, budgets, and audit records.
• Organization, documentation, time management, and meeting facilitation.
• Analytical thinking and problem‑solving to identify concerns and support appropriate corrective actions.

Abilities:

• Approach partnerships with cultural sensitivity, curiosity, professionalism, and an open mindset.
• Learn and explain program requirements while respecting each Tribe’s sovereignty and distinct circumstances.
• Balance supportive partner relationships with contract monitoring and accountability responsibilities.
• Manage multiple contracts, deadlines, and priorities with appropriate guidance.
• Work independently, seek clarification when needed, and take initiative during periods of lower activity.
• Build consistent, dependable partnerships through ongoing communication and follow‑through.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

Contact [e-mail] for additional support. Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!