Specialized Populations Officer

Columbus, NE

This position is responsible for providing case management and supervision of high‑risk individuals entered into the Problem‑Solving Court program, post‑release supervision, or other high‑risk adult and juvenile probationers for specialized cases including sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, and drug offenses.

• Investigate, monitor, and/or supervise targeted, program‑specific high‑risk individuals on probation, post‑release supervision, and/or involved in a Problem‑Solving Court adult and juvenile offenders.
• Perform counseling, case management, case reporting, and related functions of managing a caseload under close supervision.
• Develop a team supervision approach with the individual’s referral source (probation officer, navigation officer, Problem‑Solving Court team, county jail staff, prison caseworker).
• Participate in the treatment process of individuals and engage in the probationer’s/participant’s treatment through regular and ongoing communication with treatment providers and attendance at treatment groups and facilities; assist in the development of relapse prevention plans.
• Facilitate groups which may include topical, supervision, cognitive, skill‑building, life‑skills enhancement, and general education of clients.
• Prepare violation reports, compliance reports, and conduct record checks; enter and update client information into appropriate systems; determine reports to send to the court for updates.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

2282 East 32 Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601

Mostly daytime, Monday – Friday. Non‑traditional work hours may be required.

A Specialized Populations Officer’s salary range is $60,313.77 annually. After the probation period is completed, the permanent wage will increase by at least 2.5%. Pay may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social services, criminal justice, or a directly related field.

AND 2 years of experience in case management in related fields, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully 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.

• Customer service principles.
• Criminal justice system, laws, legal codes, and court procedures.
• Interview and assessment procedures and practices.
• Intervention policies and procedures.
• Cognitive skill building, motivational learning.
• Social learning theory.
• Crisis intervention techniques.
• Modern office procedures and equipment.
• Record‑keeping principles.
• Document review techniques.
• Computers and related software applications.

• Making home visits.
• Interviewing probationers.
• Tracking probationers’ location(s).
• Utilizing probation and protective techniques.
• Applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Preparing activity reports and updating databases.
• Operating computers and applicable software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others.

Incumbents may be subjected to environmental threats, odors, dusts, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel. Light work: exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly.

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; flexible spending and health savings accounts.

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 accrue immediately; military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.

Professional Growth: 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.

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.