Program Specialist (Research and Data)

State-of-Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 76,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Disability insurance

EAP — confidential support

Flex Spending (FSA) & HSA

Life Insurance

Job summary

State of Nebraska's Administrative Office of the Courts is seeking a Research and Data Specialist in Lincoln to coordinate statewide juvenile and adult justice initiatives, mediation, and evidence-based program evaluation.

The role conducts policy research, analyzes data, and develops recommendations to improve court services, treatment, and rehabilitation; interacts with stakeholders and manages grants and continuing education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field required; 2 years of program management experience or equivalent.
• Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in social/behavioral sciences or related field; or Master’s with five years supervising multiple programmes and projects.

Responsibilities

• Develops, researches, and analyzes policy on juvenile and adult Justice issues including restorative justice mediation.
• Oversee evaluation, pilot projects, or grants involving juvenile/adult programs and services.
• Provide training and education on projects and data trends related to court/probation initiatives.
• Conducts data analysis, develops empirical research objectives, evaluation questions, and sampling strategies.
• Maintains documentation in compliance with laws; collects data outcomes; prepares reports and oversees program evaluation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Skills

Prioritizing and coordinating

Interpreting laws & standards

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related fields

Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate / Master’s with 5 years supervising

Tools

Power BI

IBM Cognos Analytics

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $37.008 Job Posting: JR2026-00029174 Program Specialist (Research and Data) (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

The Administrative Office of the Courts is taking applications for a Research and Data Specialist. This is a highly responsible technical assistance position reporting to the Director of Research and Data. This classification level is responsible for coordinating focused components of statewide juvenile and adult justice programming, domestic violence, behavioral health, Interstate Compact and Interdistrict Transfer, mediation, court services and/or court improvement program etc. Responsibilities may include researching, analyzing, developing, and making recommendations on juvenile and adult justice, mediation and restorative justice, other court services, and child welfare services, programs, strategies and policies; evaluating all incoming and outgoing juvenile and adult interstate compact transfer cases for approval or denying request based on requirements; review and approval of Parenting Act mediators; review and development of continuing education events; identifying youth/ adolescents/ emerging adult/ adult issues and providing internal and/or community education; evaluating court services in order to improve current operations or implement new initiatives; performing research, analysis for policy and program development; making recommendations concerning issues tracking legislation on concerning issues and making recommendations; developing and monitoring grants; and serving as Administration's liaison on state juvenile and adult justice initiatives.

Location: 521 S. 14th St, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

Salary and Compensation: Starting Salary: $76,977.40 annually (Hiring Rate). Immediate Growth*: Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at Hiring Rate). Starting Rate Flexibility: Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval. *Please Note: Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate (at or above the Minimum Permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase. Future Increases: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

Job Duties

1. Develops, researches, and analyzes policy on juvenile and adult Justice issues including but not limited to restorative justice mediation and other court services; recommends innovative strategies concerning access to services, disposition options and probation practices, related to Juvenile/Adult and Restorative Justice.
2. Provides oversight for one or more evaluation, pilot projects, or grants involving juvenile and/or adult programs and services that may include the management of sex offenders/youth who sexually harm, domestic violence offenders, children of domestic violence, victim services, behavioral health services, reporting centers, mediation center, court services and other contractual services.
3. Provides internal and external training and education on key projects and data trends involving emerging issues surrounding court/probation initiatives, restorative justice mediation and other court services, and effective rehabilitation strategies and service delivery.
4. Conducts data analysis, develops empirical research objectives, evaluation questions, sampling strategies, logic models, and testing criteria.
5. 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.
6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

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

Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related fields, AND Experience: 2 years of related program management experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Note: An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in social/behavioral sciences or related field and at least one-year relevant experience or Master’s Degree with five years’ experience supervising multiple programmes and projects. 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 within the justice system.
• Case management practices, community resources, and service delivery systems for juvenile and adult populations.
• Risk assessment principles, intake processes, and evidence-based supervision practices.
• Strategic planning, program development, behavioral health systems, and continuous quality improvement methodologies.
• Justice system processes, including legal proceedings and organizational structures across courts, probation, and related agencies.
• Research design, advanced statistical methods, and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
• Data governance principles, including data quality, integrity, security, and standardization.
• Business intelligence, data analytics, and reporting platforms (e.g., Power BI, IBM Cognos Analytics).
• Performance measurement, program evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
• Government operations, including legislative and administrative processes impacting program and policy development.
• Computer systems and software applications relevant to data analysis, reporting, and program operations.

Skills

• Prioritizing, assigning, and managing work across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and standards to program and operational decisions.
• Planning, coordinating, and monitoring complex projects and resource development efforts.
• Consulting and collaborating with courts, staff, providers, and external stakeholders.
• Designing, conducting, and evaluating research, including both independent and collaborative studies.
• Analyzing complex data and translating findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Establishing, implementing, and evaluating performance measures and outcome metrics.
• Developing service plans, analyzing assessment tools, and aligning service needs with available resources.
• Facilitating meetings, focus groups, and stakeholder discussions to gather input and build consensus.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Developing and delivering training and technical assistance to staff and partners.
• Maintaining records, documentation, and data systems in compliance with standards.
• Utilizing computer systems, data tools, and software applications for analysis, reporting, and communication.
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences, including leadership, staff, and the public.

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.

We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you.

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!