Probation Programs and Service Specialist

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Financial Security

Professional Growth

Job summary

The State of Nebraska is seeking a Probation Programs and Service Specialist in Lincoln to coordinate multiple programs, guide policy development, and monitor compliance with laws and evaluations. You will lead initiatives on adult and restorative justice, oversee related services, and provide training to staff and stakeholders.

In this role, expect to analyze data, prepare reports, and collaborate with the Deputy Probation Administrator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, management, criminal justice, education, human services administration, or a related field.
• Three years of related program management experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.

Responsibilities

• Develops, researches, and analyzes policy on adult Justice issues including restorative justice mediation and other court services; recommends innovative strategies concerning access to services, disposition options and probation practices, related to Adult and Restorative Justice.
• Provides oversight for one or more adult programs and services that may include the management of sex offenders/individuals who sexually harm, domestic violence offenders, victims of domestic violence, victim services, behavioral health services, reporting centers, mediation center, court services and other contractual services.
• Provides internal and external training and education on emerging issues surrounding court/probation initiatives, restorative justice mediation and other court services, and effective rehabilitation strategies and service delivery.
• Conducts data analysis, develops empirical research objectives, evaluation questions, sampling strategies, logic models, and testing criteria.
• Maintains appropriate documentation which supports compliance with federal, state, and local laws; collects and monitors data outcomes; prepares reports, as necessary, and oversees program evaluation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Skills

Prioritizing and assigning work

Interpreting and applying laws, codes,

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, management, criminal justice, education, human services

Job description

Job Posting

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Supreme Court - Agency 5

Location

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate

$37.008

Job Posting

JR2026-00029153 Probation Programs and Service Specialist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On

(If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

09-23-2026

Job Description

** The (Judicial Branch) does not sponsor STEM (form i-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position. **

The Judicial Branch Offers

Health & Wellness

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance
• Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, available to purchase
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Financial Security

• 156% state-matched of the first 4.8% contribution to retirement plan
• FREE $20,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Optional Life Insurance and AD&D available to purchase
• Paid Time Off & Leave
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave and Funeral/Bereavement leave

Professional Growth

• Paid training to develop your skills
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay

Job Description

This classification level is responsible for coordinating all components of one or more programs. The coordination encompasses service delivery and policy development, research, analysis, including making recommendations involving criminal and juvenile justice trends. This includes oversight of work involving investigatory, supervision, rehabilitation, and service delivery for individuals under the purview of the court. Work also involves tracking legislation regarding corresponding concerns and making recommendations to the Probation and Deputy Probation Administrators. Work at this level involves creative functioning as a leader, facilitator, advocate, and trainer. Direction is received from the Deputy Probation Administrator for Programs and Field Services who reviews work through reports and evaluation of operational results, however, the person in this position is expected to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Location

In office only.

521 S. 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68509

Salary

A Program & Service Specialist’s salary range is $76,977.41 to $93,789.64 annually.

After probation period is completed, the Permanent wage will increase at least 2.5%. Pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

Job Duties

• Develops, researches, and analyzes policy on adult Justice issues including restorative justice mediation and other court services; recommends innovative strategies concerning access to services, disposition options and probation practices, related to Adult and Restorative Justice.
• Provides oversight for one or more adult programs and services that may include the management of sex offenders/individuals who sexually harm, domestic violence offenders, victims of domestic violence, victim services, behavioral health services, reporting centers, mediation center, court services and other contractual services.
• Provides internal and external training and education on emerging issues surrounding court/probation initiatives, restorative justice mediation and other court services, and effective rehabilitation strategies and service delivery.
• Conducts data analysis, develops empirical research objectives, evaluation questions, sampling strategies, logic models, and testing criteria.
• Maintains appropriate documentation which supports compliance with federal, state, and local laws; collects and monitors data outcomes; prepares reports, as necessary, and oversees program evaluation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Functional Specific Responsibilities Might Include

The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, management, criminal justice, education, human services administration, or a related field.
• Three years of related program management experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.

All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Knowledge

• Applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, programs, and services.
• Case management practices and principles and community resources.
• Best practices regarding risk assessment and intake options.
• Strategic planning processes, behavioral health services, and principles of continuous quality improvement.
• Knowledge of issues concerning juvenile and adult justice, and access to services for juveniles and adults.
• Knowledge of Justice System.
• Program design and development.
• Applicable practices and regulations for legal proceedings.
• Computers and applicable software applications.

Skills

• Prioritizing and assigning work.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Planning, coordinating, monitoring, and prioritizing resource development assignments.
• Consulting and interacting with the court, staff, providers, and other stakeholders.
• Establishing and evaluating performance measures.
• Developing placement service plans, analyzing assessment instruments, matching service needs and funding options.
• Developing and providing education to staff and other local, state, and national juvenile and adult justice stakeholders.
• Maintaining records and files.
• Operating computers and applicable software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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.