Corrections Unit Administrator - Nebraska State Penitentiary

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 46,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Nebraska in Lincoln is seeking a Corrections Unit Administrator to lead housing units and manage caseloads in alignment with NDCS values and the mission to keep people safe.

The role requires overseeing Unit Managers and related staff, ensuring ACA standards and policy compliance, and participating in executive oversight of offender programs. Strong supervisory experience and a relevant degree are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field and two years corrections experience, one year in supervisory position.
• OR Associate’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field and four years corrections experience, one year in supervisory position.
• OR six years corrections experience, of which one year must be in a supervisory position.
• Legal Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. No felony or domestic abuse related convictions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, administer, and oversee operations of offender housing units and caseload management, including offender moves, visitation, sanitation, and ACA compliance.
• Ensure compliance with correctional policies, state statutes, and regulatory standards.
• Directly supervise Unit Managers, while indirectly supervising Unit Case Managers and Unit Caseworkers; handling hiring, training, counseling, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Establish and communicate clear performance expectations to promote staff accountability and development.
• Collaborate with the Security Administrator to maintain proper safety and security of offenders.
• Serve on the institution’s executive management team to coordinate programmatic aspects of offender’s life.
• Act as Chairperson for institutional classification committees, guiding decisions on housing assignments and caseload distribution.
• Respond to and resolve operational issues involving team members and offenders.
• Promote an environment of accountability, communication, and professionalism across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Policy compliance

Caseload management

Investigation & disciplinary

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field

Associate’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Correctional Services - Agency 46 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $40.476 Job Posting: JR2026-00030101 Corrections Unit Administrator - Nebraska State Penitentiary (Open)

Job Description

The Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) is seeking a self-starter with excellent leadership skills for the position of Corrections Unit Administrator. This position will model the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) values of integrity, respect, compassion, growth and excellence as we accomplish our mission, "keep people safe." For more information call 402-471-3161. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at [e-mail].

Job Duties

• Supervise, administer, and oversee operations of offender housing units and caseload management, including offender moves, visitation, sanitation, and ACA (American Correctional Association) compliance.
• Ensure compliance with correctional policies, state statutes, and regulatory standards.
• Directly supervise Unit Managers, while indirectly supervising Unit Case Managers and Unit Caseworkers; handling hiring, training, counseling, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Establish and communicate clear performance expectations to promote staff accountability and development.
• Collaborate with the Security Administrator to maintain proper safety and security of offenders.
• Serve on the institution’s executive management team to coordinate programmatic aspects of offender’s life.
• Act as Chairperson for institutional classification committees, guiding decisions on housing assignments and caseload distribution.
• Respond to and resolve operational issues involving team members and offenders.
• Promote an environment of accountability, communication, and professionalism across teams.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field, and two years corrections experience, of which one year must be in a supervisory position.
• OR Associate’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field and four years corrections experience, of which one year must be in a supervisory position.
• OR six years corrections experience, of which one year must be in a supervisory experience.

Legal Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. No felony or domestic abuse related convictions.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field.
• Direct experience with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing offender housing operations and classification.
• Skilled in conducting investigations and administering disciplinary processes.
• Experience serving on or leading institutional committees.

Other: Must have valid driver's license. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities.
• 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!